Press

Construct Announces Warm Up the Winter Fundraiser for Emergency Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2022

Media Contact:
Leigh Davis
413.429.4855
ldavis@constructberkshire.org

High-resolution photographs are available for download at
https://constructinc.org/for-the-press/

Great Barrington, Mass. – Construct will host its virtual Warm Up the Winter fundraiser for emergency
assistance on Saturday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m. Watch the hour-long program hosted by Construct board member and singer Wanda Houston at: https://go.rallyup.com/warmup2022. Participants include The Lucky 5, Olga Dunn Dance Company, The Lucky Bucket Band, The Wanda Houston Band, John Bissell, President and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union, Senator Adam Hinds, Rabbi Deborah Zecher, Joe Rose, Jenny Schwartz, Tristan Osgood, and Construct’s Board of Directors and Staff. Warm Up the Winter Call to Action for Emergency Assistance is one of Construct’s most critical and impactful annual fundraisers, with proceeds supporting those in need of emergency assistance for fuel, utility, rental payments, and emergency accommodation.

Known as an entertaining, uplifting, and unifying showcase of diversified local talent, Warm Up the
Winter moved online last year from its traditional home at The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center due to
the coronavirus pandemic.

“Warm Up the Winter has always provided a winter safety net for those who need it most.” said Jane
Ralph, Construct executive director. “Fuel and electric prices have increased by 30% this year, and the
costs of renting a home and owning a home have skyrocketed. In response to these increases, we have
raised our goal for this year’s Warm Up the Winter event to $75,000.”

Warm Up the Winter is supported by Construct’s dedicated volunteer board of directors and is generously underwritten by The Schnesel Family Fund. Greylock Federal Credit Union is the lead sponsor of this year’s event. In-kind sponsors include Race Brook Lodge, First Congregational Church of Stockbridge, Dewey Memorial Hall, and Saint James Place.

Sponsors and community partners include: Marash Family Foundation, Elizabeth and Gene Rosenberg,
Michael Alper and Bruce Moore, Barbara and Roger Manring, Richard Glaser, Jewish Women’s
Foundation of the Berkshires, Berkshire Pilates, Tristan Osgood, Maura Griffin, Linda Greenhouse,
Friends of Jane Glaser, Volunteers in Medicine, Monterey Community Center, Goodwill Industries,
Fairview Hospital, Pioneer Valley Community Action, Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires,
Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Southern Berkshire
Rural Health Network, People’s Pantry GB, Eliot Community Human Services, Rural Recovery Resource
Center, and Community Health Programs.

Join this year’s free online event at https://go.rallyup.com/warmup2022 on Saturday, February 19, at 7:00
p.m. Warm Up the Winter continues to be among Construct’s most critical and impactful fundraisers and
donations are encouraged. Donations can be made online at any time, by calling Construct’s Development Office at (413) 429-4433, or by texting ‘WARMUP2022’ to 855-202-2100 for a link to donate. Donations also can be sent directly to Construct “Warm Up the Winter” at 316A State Road, Great Barrington, MA, 01230. Information is available at www.facebook.com/ConstructInc and on Construct’s website at https://constructinc.org.

About Construct

Based in Great Barrington, Construct has been the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and
supportive services to south Berkshire county residents in need for over 50 years. With a small, highly
skilled staff and committed volunteers, Construct leverages time, talent, money, and long-standing
community relationships to support its mission. Providing 67 permanent, affordable housing options,
Construct also offers ten units for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The bulk of Construct’s
annual income comes from individual donors. With this support, Construct helps rebuild security,
stability, and hope in the southern Berkshires. More information on Construct can be found at
https://constructinc.org.