To the Editor:
On behalf of the directors of the Island Autism Group Inc (IAG) and families with children with autism on the Island, I thank everyone who made our recent fundraiser, Splurge for a Cause, a glowing success.
Thank you to our host, the Wharf in Edgartown, for donating a welcoming space and yummy food. Thanks to all the Island businesses that stepped forward to donate toward our event, including Chilmark Chocolates, for their amazing chocolates; Cronig’s, for their deli platter; Edgartown Meat and Fish Market, for sandwiches; and Stop and Shop, for a gift card.
Special thanks to musician extraordinaire Mike Benjamin, for his acoustic music.
And to all the beauty makers who made shopping at the artisan fair such fun – the participating vendors Rebeccah J Leather, Holly Bellebuono of Vineyard Herbs, Heather Thurber of Breezy Pines Farm, Gillian Badot from Jilly B, Barbara Reynolds, Cynthia McGrath from Original Cyn Jewelry, Sue Weyl and Norma Sigelman, Stefanie Wolf, and Cindy Bonnell. Thanks to the vendors that were unable to participate but that still donated to our raffle, Simply Soaps in Oak Bluffs, Island Spirit Kayaking, Janette Vanderhoop, Jo Maxwell, Chesca’s, Berta and Vernon Welch, and Fun Hunters.
Great publicity also helped our event, including Katryn Yerdon and Janet Hefler, wonderful articles in the M.V. Times. And what event happens without a great poster – thank you Edith Rousseau. Presale of tickets by Basics, Donaroma’s, Vineyard Complementary Medicine, and John Murray contributed to an enjoyable evening.
With the funds raised the Island Autism Group will be able to continue to support Island families living with autism. For more information about Island Autism Group Inc. and to find out about future events, find us at islandautismgroupinc.com.
Jo-Ann Eccher
Island Autism Group Inc.
Edgartown