Join Berkshire United Way at Wander on April 16 as we celebrate our community of volunteers who help improve the quality of life for our neighbors. United to Volunteer.
Sponsored by
Berkshire United Way recognizes the difference volunteers make in our community through their donation of time and talent to support nonprofits and participating in events that address food insecurity and basic needs, and promote literacy.
We are proud to present the following awards to volunteers who are dedicated to service and committed to helping our Berkshire County neighbors.
Robert K. Agar Jr. Volunteerism Award
Brenda Lee Petell
Vice President, Community Engagement Officer
MountainOne
Brenda previously served as director of volunteer engagement at Berkshire United Way, where she was integral in launching the online Volunteer Center. She also organized large volunteer events to address food access and basic needs and partnered with Thanksgiving Angels to make the volunteer experience more successful.
She is on the advisory committees for Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and the board of directors for Berkshire Education and Correction Services. Brenda also regularly volunteers for Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and passionately advocates for children and equity.
Brenda was a GE Elfun volunteer (1998-2007) and president of SABIC Volunteers (2007-2014), and a 1Berkshire YLP Steering Committee member (2008-2016). Past community service includes Berkshire Robotics Challenge, Pittsfield Academies Mentor Coordinator, Business Professionals of America volunteer, and coordinator of the high school science fair at the Berkshire Museum for five years.
Beginning in 1965, Berkshire United Way annually selects a "Volunteer of the Year" – a local volunteer whose personal commitment and dedication to the ideals of volunteerism is, in the judgement of others, truly exemplary. It honors those who are always ready, willing, and able to respond to those people who are in need.
In 1981, following the untimely death of Robert K. Agar, Jr., a member of the Berkshire United Way Board of Directors, the award was renamed to honor his memory. In 1984, a conscious decision was made by volunteers to reposition this award as an honor open to any individual or organization whose significant commitment to the ideals and spirit of volunteer service to the community is exemplary and worthy of emulation.
Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award
Maria Encalada
Founder, Puerta de Esperanza;
Community Advocate
As a leader in the Pittsfield community, Maria deftly connects immigrants with vital resources. An immigrant herself, she knows that asking for help can be especially hard when people don’t speak the language. That’s why she took on a volunteer role for Berkshire Mobile Farmers Market in Pittsfield. Maria helps Spanish-speaking customers access fresh, local food and makes sure shoppers understand the tiered payment structure, including the free food pantry option.
Maria always shows up to volunteer at Berkshire United Way’s meal packing events and helped with the MLK Day clothing drive.
Maria is the founder of the nonprofit Puerta de Esperanza, an organization dedicated to creating a brighter future for those within the Berkshire Latino community. As a community advocate and dedicated volunteer, she uses her connections and lived experience to help others thrive in Pittsfield and Berkshire County.
First introduced in 1999, the Helping Hands, Caring Heart award recognizes an unsung hero in our community – one who quietly, with little fanfare or recognition, makes our community a better place through volunteer efforts. The award was renamed following Dan's retirement from numerous years of service as CEO of Berkshire United Way and to the community.