Benefit dinner to support the needy

December 2, 2013

By David Scribner

There are a number of unheralded heroes in Great Barrington. One of them is Michael Ballon, owner of and chef at the Castle Street Café.

So when he asked me to help get out the word about his upcoming Community Holiday Benefit Dinner that raises money for the less fortunate members of our town, I was more than happy to do so.

Michael Ballon

Three years ago, when the Community Services outlet on Castle Street closed its doors, Ballon realized that something should be done for the clients whom the Community Services shop had served – those down on their luck having trouble finding affordable housing, medical care and making ends meet.

In response, he organized the Community Holiday Benefit Dinner, with all the proceeds going to three local Great Barrington charities – Construct, Volunteers in Medicine and The Watson Fund.

“It’s our way of giving back,” Ballon explains as he prepares another benefit dinner scheduled for Sunday, December 8 between 4 and 7 p.m., at Castle Street “Many of us who are fortunate to having housing and healthcare recognize that there are too many in this town who are not so lucky and these three wonderful organizations provide vital services for those in need. Community Services had been here for 47 years, and there are so many in need of fuel assistance in the winter and food all year round.”

The cost is $30, first-come, first-served, for the sumptuous buffet that will feature entrees from a number of holiday traditions. Music will be provided by the Lucky 4 Swing Band, featuring Kip Beacco, Don Mikkelsen, Matt Downing and Jonathan Talbot. Later in the evening the popular rhythm and blues band, the BTUS, will take the stage.

“We’ll be carving turkey, with stuffing and cranberry sauce, as well as service potato latkes, acorn squash and a selection of vegetarian dishes,” he says. “We are grateful that Guido’s, Berkshire Mountain bakery and Equinox Farm all donate food to this dinner. It’s sort of a church supper, Jewish style.”

The event, Ballon observed, has been heartily embraced by the community.

“The response has been tremendous,” he said. “Last year, more than 200 people attended, and we raised $6,000. This is a feel-good event, and it’s become a tradition.”