The Real Estate Agent’s Charitable Taskforce [REACT] was so proud to select the Louison House, a shelter operated by the Family Life Services Center (FLSC) of North County, as the recipient of our Battle of the Bartender Fundraiser, held by the Berkshire County Board of REALTORS.  The chair of the North County event, Becky Gold, managed an outstanding team of celebrity bartenders that raised $1,943 in a matter of 3 hours – and we secured a wonderful Housing and Homelessness Prevention Grant of $1,500 from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS Charitable Foundation.  Volunteering Teams were:  Becky Gold of Burnham Gold & Cindy Poulin from Alton & Westall Real Estate, Mark Farringinton from FLSC and Maureen Baran from Adams Community Bank, Colleen Zajac, Dorren Coones and Barb Demers from Monarch Realty, Duffy Judge from Greylock Insurance, and Erin Scott representing both Burnham Gold and FLSC.

A little background about this wonderful cause:  The Louison House is a 22 bed transitional homeless shelter for individuals and families (90-130 people annually).

Exectuive Director, Lindsay Errichetto said, “These funds are specifically to help rehab and update the Louison House homeless shelter facility, with much needed improvements such as adding handrails and emergency lighting”. Louison House is a 125 year old Victorian house that requires constant repairs and upgrades. They not only prepare families for self-sufficiency, they also provide housing, meals, and an array of services for homeless women, men and families. They typically have a wait list for all the beds and the average stay is 6 – 8 months.  They are underfunded yet serve an overwhelming need. We are proud to have offered just a little bit of support and caring this year to such a wonderful organization.  To find out how you can help, go to:  www.familylifesupport.org