14 May CATA Donors Mary & Benjamin Daire: “Lifting CATA Higher: Community, Connection, and the Power of Belonging”
CATA supporters Mary & Benjamin Daire
CATA supporters and local business owners Mary and Benjamin Daire believe that our community is strongest when every person has the opportunity to be seen and valued for their abilities. After opening Dare Bottleshop & Provisions in Lenox—and discovering how many of their customers were CATA superfans—they felt called to get involved and be a force for good in their community.
“Through our shop we’ve met so many CATA artists and families whose lives have been transformed by CATA,” says Benjamin. “Every day we see the tangible impact that CATA has on the people who live here. As donors, we feel like we’re truly involved in the community and are making a real difference.”
“As independent business owners in the Berkshires,” says Mary, “we take our responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact in our community. Supporting organizations like CATA, who give their artists the opportunity to feel and be seen, is a natural and important choice for us.”
Mary grew up in the Berkshires surrounded by a close-knit family, including her cousin Ryan, who has Down syndrome. Mary’s relationship with Ryan inspired her to volunteer with the Special Olympics in high school and to spend summers working as a special education counselor at Camp Russell. “It’s important to me to be part of an organization that gives people like Ry the opportunity to shine,” says Mary, a former French teacher in local schools. “CATA works 365 days a year to enrich the lives of people with disabilities, not only making their talents visible to the greater community but also providing an avenue for them to know they are a valued part of the community.”
Mary and Benjamin have supported CATA as business sponsors of the Gala for several years. “Every year we look forward to our favorite night out in the Berkshires,” says Mary, “supporting the artists, connecting with our community, and coming together to celebrate and spotlight the positive impact CATA has year-round.”
One of the Daire’s favorite parts of the Gala weekend is the Sunday matinee performance. “We get to bring our children to enjoy the show and watch the artists showcase their talents,” Mary says. “The CATA actors are our favorites to watch; their energy, enthusiasm, and comedic timing are unmatched!”
For Mary and Benjamin, supporting CATA is especially important right now.
“CATA is more essential now than ever,” say Mary and Benjamin. “CATA reminds us of the goodness in humanity. They are helping make our community more whole. Now is the time to hold each other tighter. Now is the time to lift CATA higher.”
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