It’s SHOWTIME! We need YOU to make it happen...
Artists like Dan are ready for the spotlight in CATA’s Annual Performance!
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It’s SHOWTIME! We need YOU to make it happen...
Artists like Dan are ready for the spotlight in CATA’s Annual Performance!
“This is big, everybody! We’re about to be on stage!” Roman is rehearsing with his fellow CATA artists. Soon, they’ll take their places on stage for their moment in the spotlight—and you can help cheer them on!
“All year, CATA artists have been learning lines and writing song lyrics, practicing juggling tosses and trying out new dance steps,” says Margaret Keller, CATA Executive Director. “Now, they’re taking the stage for our Gala & Annual Performance to share their talents with YOU, our community!”
“This is CATA’s biggest moment of the year—and you are the essential, final ingredient!,” says Heather Wells Heim, CATA Board Chair. “You provide the audience— and your support at our Gala makes our year-round programs possible.”
As a small nonprofit, CATA relies on funds raised at our gala to keep our work going. One-third of our budget comes from this one event.
“CATA’s gala is the cultural highlight of our year,” say Gala Co-Chairs Mitch and Caitlin Nash. “Witnessing CATA artists performing on stage—empowered and expressing themselves—is magical. We support CATA because everyone should be on equal footing in the world.”
“CATA provides a pathway to creativity,” say Co-Chairs Eva and Kip Sheridan. “They have the formula for turning your donations into BIG impact. Donors at every level make
every CATA’s work possible.” And
Your generosity supports year-round programs and makes an impact for so many people: A classroom of children with disabilities will express themselves through juggling and theater games. A teenager with a developmental disability will discover her love of dance. And adults with brain injuries will give voice to their emotions in a songwriting class.
At the heart of our gala weekend is a one-ofa-kind performance by CATA artists in dance, juggling, acting, drumming, and much more.
“This year’s show Finding New Rhythms explores all of the rhythms that make up our vibrant community,” says Kelly Galvin, CATA Program and Annual Performance Director. “CATA artists will take the audience on a powerful, shared journey—and find a new rhythm together by the show’s end.”
CATA’s Gala & Annual Performance!
at Shakespeare & Company’s Tina Packer Playhouse 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA
GALA EVENING: Saturday, May 13 @ 5pm
A dazzling performance by CATA artists—plus cocktails, dinner, and dancing! Call CATA at (413) 528-5485 or visit CATAarts.org for tickets.
“After three years of virtual and film performances, CATA artists are thrilled to be back on stage and sharing their talents for a live audience,” says Margaret Keller. “It’s an unforgettable show that will stay with you long after the final bows.”
When the curtain goes up on May 13 and 14, we’re counting on YOU to be cheering in the audience! Join us and get ready to have your heart blown wide open!
MATINEE PERFORMANCE: Sunday, May 14 @ 1pm
Tickets start at just $5 (Pay-What-You-Will pricing). Buy tickets at Shakespeare.org or call the Box Office at (413) 637-3353.
A joyful sound fills the halls at Berkshire County Arc’s Center for Development—a day program for adults with disabilities. CATA artists are gathered in a circle, sharing their love of music in a CATA drumming workshop. Myles beams as he keeps the beat on the dun-dun drum. Connie sings along, her voice soaring with the group.
With your support, hundreds of children, teens, and adults with disabilities are tapping into their talents and building community in vibrant arts programs. And right now, the demand for CATA is greater than ever.
“Artists with disabilities, caregivers, and our program partners are asking for more CATA than ever before,” says Jeff Gagnon, Program Director.
“We’re working closely with our community to learn about challenges they’re facing and programs they’re craving—then tailoring our workshops to meet their needs.” That includes new pilot programs and adaptive workshops in dozens of art forms.
“New all-abilities classes in juggling, yoga, dance, drumming, and songwriting are giving CATA artists more ways to express themselves,” says Kara Smith, Program Director. “And we’ve launched sensory-friendly classes with added accommodations for artists on the autism spectrum or who prefer a calmer environment to explore their talents.”
Supporters like you are also helping meet a critical need in public schools—where many students with disabilities rely on CATA as an outlet to express themselves.
“In just a few years, we’ve tripled the programs we’re bringing to students in schools,” says Jeff. “Passionate, dedicated teachers in eight school districts welcome CATA into their classrooms every week. Through CATA, students are building skills in problem solving, coordination, and communication. And most of all, they feel pride and a sense of achievement.”
“Students in our high school special education program benefit so much from CATA,” says Kate Burdsall, Special Education Director at Berkshire Hills Regional School District. “After each session, we see so much growth in their selfconfidence, self-esteem, and social skills. Our students practice and develop skills—and then build on their successes from week to week.”
In a dance class at Pittsfield High School, CATA Faculty Artist Beth Liebowitz leads students in movement exercises. “How does dancing make you feel?” asks Beth. Benedicta raises her hand: “I can dance away my shyness!”
Recently, parents were invited to a “CATA Sharing” to see all that their students were learning. “They were blown away by how much their students had accomplished,” says Beth. “One mother hugged her son and said, ‘I never knew you were such a beautiful dancer!’ It meant so much for every student to be celebrated.”
Want to learn more about CATA workshops? Prospective CATA artists, families, and caregivers can learn about our programs and start signing up by calling (413) 528-5485 or visit CATAarts.
CATA artists at UCP of Western Massachusetts express themselves and have a blast in CATA dance workshops!When Danielle and Dan Stern first moved to the Berkshires, a friend invited them to CATA’s Gala & Annual Performance. By the end of the show, their hearts were overflowing: They knew they had found their community.
“Our experience at the CATA gala affirmed that we had chosen the right place to live and raise our family,” say Danielle and Dan. “We knew right away that this was a community that was nurturing, accepting, and loving of all its members.”
“CATA isn’t just a place,” says Danielle. “It’s an ethos. It’s about being seen for your unique, individual gifts and talents—and seeing through a lens of mutual love and respect.”
“At CATA, you enter this world of seeing the way life should be,” she adds. “How we should be treating each other— and how to be in community together.”
“CATA is a reminder of how a beautiful society can function,” says Dan. “We feel grateful to live in a community that supports an organization like CATA—and makes sure it thrives.”
Danielle and Dan see their values reflected in CATA’s work. And that makes them proud to be donors.
“We both come from families that always talked about the importance of giving back—of being part of a community and thinking outside of yourself,” says Dan. “We want to leave the world a better place.”
From their first moments with CATA, they were “swept up in a swirl of joy.” They immediately felt compelled to donate to keep CATA’s work going—from weekly workshops to exhibits, readings, and performances.
“What excites us about being part of CATA is sharing the joy and goodness of their work with others,” says Danielle. “We invite people to the gala every year, to join us in the joy and connection. You can’t help but want to be part of it!”
“People who find their way to CATA have a heart for seeing the best in humanity. CATA is like a beautiful web connecting our community–and we’re so proud to be part of it.”
“CATAJoin
“I look forward to painting and dancing. I like that we all work together.”
- Jeri (BCArc Nu-Opps Brain Injury Program)
“I love drumming and playing together. It’s relaxing and makes me feel good!”
- Richard (BFAIR)
“CATA is a great place to be! We treat people kindly and we don’t judge.”
- Izzy (BCArc Transitions)
“I like to paint from my memories. I use my own imagination in my art.”
- Laurie (Cadmus)
We’re grateful to the following individuals and businesses who are making a difference for CATA artists. Without you, our work simply can’t happen.
LEAD UNDERWRITERS: Anonymous
The Feigenbaum Foundation
Berkshire Bank
Fallon Health
Greylock Federal Credit Union
Joan & Jim Hunter
Buzz & Robin McGraw, The Donald C. McGraw Foundation, and Black Rock Foundation
Will Osborne & Mary Pope Osborne
Dr. Robert C. & Tina Sohn Foundation
UNDERWRITERS: Anonymous
Canyon Ranch
Virginia & James Giddens
Emily Rechnitz
Allegrone Companies
Nathan Casto & Terri Chegwidden
Stephanie Gittleman
James Marden & Jennifer Press Marden
Leslie & Stephen Shatz
Merit
Eva & Kip Sheridan
PRODUCERS: Balance Rock Investment Group
Berkshire Health Systems
Berkshire Magazine
Linda Greenhouse & Eugene Fidell
Lenox Glass & Door, Inc.
Seth & Mary Nash
Anne Smith & John Goodhue
Donna A. Bernstein
Liz & Tom Costley
Ira & Jami Grossman
Sarah Hunter
Neuberger Berman
Marcia Walsh & Eric Block
Liz & Mark Williams
Sandra Baron & Gregory Diskant
Neil & Kathleen Chrisman
Heather Wells Heim & Matthew Heim
Martino Glass Company, Inc.
Elaine Radiss & Rich Petrino
Linda Smothers & Richard Gregg
Julie & David McCarthy
David Rosenthal
Danielle & Dan Stern
CORPORATE SPONSORS: Apella Capital
Berkshire Photo Booth
Bottleshop & Provisions
Greenhouse Yoga LLC
One Mercantile
Blue Spark Financial
Berkshire Mountain Distillers
Dana Bixby Architecture
Domaney’s Liquors & Fine Wines
Guido’s Fresh Marketplace
Interprint, Inc.
Dare
Park Square Financial Advisors of Raymond James
SPONSORS: Camilla Bennett
Cindy & Jeff Caminiti
Janet & John Egelhofer
Elizabeth & Jay Bikofsky
Anthony & Elizabeth Cassano
Tom & Anne Flynn
Beverly Hosokawa • Jane & Charlie Johnson
Gary & Jeanie Knisely
Kate & Joel Millonzi
Judy & Tim Boomer
The Dobbins Foundation
Carol Glazer
Susan W. Gold
Phyllis Patti Klein
Marisa Labozzetta & Martin Wohl
Natalie & David Neubert
Carol & Michael Riordan
Harvey Shapiro
Linda & Frank Russell
Ben & Elaine Silberstein
Shawn & Travis Mille
Nancy & Bernie Picchi
The Schnesel Family Fund
Wendy Strothman & John Bishop
Judy & Mark Usow • Suzannah & Pieter Van Schaick
IN-KIND SUPPORTERS:
Kwik Print, Inc. • Mahaiwe Tent Company
List as of April 12, 2023
E.E. Winters & Chris White
Mezze Catering & Events
Margaret Keller, Executive Director
Je Gagnon, Program Director
Kelly Galvin, Program Director
Kara Smith, Program Director
Courtney Maxwell, Program Associate
Beth Liebowitz, Dance Faculty & Performance Projects Manager
Wes Buckley, Music Specialist & Faculty Artist
Katie Clarke, Administrative Director
James To en, O ce Manager
Alexandra Heddinger, Development Director
Kate Harding, Development Associate
David Dashiell, Development Associate
Chris Watford, Communications Director
Heather Wells Heim, President
Emily Rechnitz, Vice President
Eva Sheridan, Vice President
Ira Grossman, Treasurer
David Rice, Secretary
Sandra Baron · Judy Boomer
Liz Costley · Carol Glazer
Sarah Hunter · Mindi Morin
Rich Petrino · Elaine Radiss
Carol Riordan · Stephen Shatz
Ben Silberstein · John Whalan
Sandra Newman, Founder