With the summer months come warm weather, a relaxed atmosphere, and delight in evenings out. The Island is known for its leisurely yet luxurious summer benefit events, and the recent fundraisers of two local organizations, Sail Martha’s Vineyard and Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center, proved no different.
With the sunset over Vineyard Haven Harbor in the background, Sail MV held the annual Seafood Banquet and Auction to raise money for its sailing programs on Saturday evening at Tisbury Wharf.
To add to the beautiful scenery, a fleet of wooden sailboats, including Charlotte, Juno, and Rebecca, all three designed and built by Benjamin and Gannon on the Island, were on display at the dock.
Auctioneer Kathy Kingston returned to host the event, and the benefit auction sold a wide variety of items, such as a trip to Boston, a winery tour in Tuscany, Italy, and sails on wooden boats.
During the event, Sail MV’s Program and Administrative Directors Brock and Hope Callen were surprised with an African photo safari trip given to them by the successful bidder.
The Walter Cronkite Award, named for the late CBS Evening News anchor who lived in Edgartown during summertime and supported Sail MV, was given to Matthew Stackpole, Major Gifts Officer at Mystic Seaport Maritime Museum.
This weekend, Sail MV will host the Vineyard Cup Regatta during which many local and visiting sailors will compete in various divisions. For more information, visit sailmv.com/.
Rising Tide’s event
The James Cagney Estate in Chilmark was host to Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center’s annual fundraising event Thursday evening, July 7. The funds raised at the benefit will further the center’s mission to improve the lives of disabled adults and children both physically and mentally.
As attendees sipped on delectable drinks and grazed on delicious hors d’oeuvres supplied by some of the Island’s most beloved restaurants, they enjoyed the musical sounds of Sabrina and Groover.
A live and silent auction boasted unique experiences, luxuries, and services. Among other prizes, auction winners received massage packages, exceptional vacations, and thousands of dollars in landscaping and other services.
Even with all that the event had to offer, the “meet and greet” with the center’s horses and trainers proved to be one of the memorable experiences of the night. The presence of these creatures reinforced the avenue through which Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center is serving others. For more information on Rising Tide and its programs, visit risingtidetec.org/.
