Tickets Still Available for 2026 Difference Makers Gala

SPRINGFIELD — Tickets are still available for the 18th annual Difference Makers awards gala, hosted by BusinessWest. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 7 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10-12 are available. They can be purchased by clicking here.

The Difference Makers class of 2026 are profiled in the Feb. 16 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. This year’s honorees are:

• Ryan Alekman and Robert DiTusa, partners, Alekman DiTusa, LLC;

• Rachelle Hannoush, director of Youth, Violence Prevention, and Court Support Programs, YWCA of Western Massachusetts;

• Jess Miller, comedian and founder, The Kind Squad;

• Darby O’Brien, owner, Darby O’Brien Advertising;

• Julie Quink, managing principal, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.;

• Edward Sokolowski, managing partner and wealth advisor, Pioneer Valley Financial Group;

• Margaret Tantillo, executive director, O’Dell Women’s Center; and

• Zeno Temple, founder, Just Us Movement.

BusinessWest launched the Difference Makers program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of Western Mass. The 18th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.

For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email mercado@businesswest.com.