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By D.R. Bahlman
Berkshire Eagle Staff
PITTSFIELD -- Berkshire Life Insurance Co. of
America will contribute $75,000 to a foundation that seeks
to build a 3,000-seat ice arena in Pittsfield in memory of
12-year-old Quinn Connally, who sustained a fatal blow to
the head during hockey practice in December 2000.
The company's gift to Quinn's Legacy Foundation will be paid
in five equal installments of $15,000. Edward A. Maffuccio,
chairman of the contributions committee at Berkshire Life,
presented the first check to the foundation at a benefit dinner
Jan. 26 at the Italian-American Club.
"We're delighted to support this worthy endeavor, which
will enrich the lives of area youth through sports and skill
development programs," said James W. Zilinski, chairman,
president and chief executive officer of Berkshire Life.
Nonprofit foundation
Quinn Connally's parents, Stephen and Ann Connally
of Cheshire, established the foundation as a nonprofit organization
dedicated to providing state-of-the-art athletic and educational
support to residents of Berkshire County and nearby areas
of Vermont, Connecticut and New York.
Funding for the proposed arena, the cost of which is estimated
at between $8 million and $9 million, will be met through
a combination of private and corporate contributions and public
grants. Quality Printing of Pittsfield has contributed $25,000,
and the Dan Fox Drive property land on which the facility
will be situated was donated last year by the Berkshire Chamber
of Commerce and Del Alba Realty.
The first phase of the proposed project includes construction
of a 3,000-seat twin rink for ice hockey, figure skating,
speed skating and recreational skating. A proposed second
phase includes an outdoor field for lacrosse and soccer. The
field will be surrounded by a track for running and in-line
skating. The facility also will be used for after-school activities,
coaching and mentoring workshops, and programs supporting
at-risk youth, the Connallys have said. It will be owned and
operated by Quinn's Legacy Foundation.
"We haven't been in the headlines much lately, and that's
because we've been doing a lot of administrative work, lining
up meetings with hockey equipment manufacturers and preparing
for major fund raising," Ann Connally said yesterday.
"We want to convince corporate donors that this is a
great project."
Connally said that representatives of the foundation hope
to arrange a meeting with Pittsfield Mayor Sara Hathaway to
discuss grants for which the project could be eligible.
"Ann and I are very touched and grateful to Berkshire
Life for helping to make our dream a reality," Stephen
Connally said. "Their leadership contribution demonstrates
a genuine commitment to the people of Berkshire County. We
hope that others will follow their lead."
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