Annual Possible Dreams Auction will be a tribute to Norman Bridwell

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— File photo by Tim Johnson

The Art Buchwald Possible Dreams Auction, which benefits Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) and its six core programs, celebrates its 37th anniversary this year on July 26 at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama. This year’s auction will be dedicated to the late Norman Bridwell, beloved author and longtime supporter of the Possible Dreams Auction and MVCS.

“Norman Bridwell was completely openhearted in the way he supported Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and so many other organizations on the Vineyard,” said Jan Hatchard, donor relations manager for MVCS, in a press release. “He was an amazing man who inspired us all with his kindness and generosity. We will always miss him, but what he helped to build through his many years of support will keep him alive in our hearts always.”

The auction will once again be held the last Sunday of July. The switch from Monday to Sunday, in recent years, has enabled visitors who may have to return to work on Monday to join in on the fun.

Jimmy Tingle will return, and is ready to sell some amazing dreams (a week for eight at a private home in Ireland, an evening at Hart Haven with music by Livingston Taylor, a trip to Nantucket on the DiDay with authors Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horowitz, an art-workshop experience with Consenses founder Sally Taylor, and sculptor for a day with Tony Holand, to name a few) to the highest bidder.

“We want to emphasize that there will be something for everyone at this year’s event. In addition to the customary Live and Silent Dreams, we are including some fabulous raffle items, as well as a ‘Super Dreams’ category, which will give guests another way to participate, said Liza May, chair of the 2015 auction committee. “Also new this year will be savory food and treats from Vineyard Haute Cuisine, plus tasty craft beers from Offshore Ale and delightful wines from Our Market.”

The auction’s standing as a premiere summer event stems from the cause it serves — Community Services’ various programs that benefit year-round and summer residents.

Martha’s Vineyard Community Services delivers a wide array of programs and services to more than 6,000 people annually. It includes the Island Counseling Center, which offers behavioral health and substance abuse treatment; Early Childhood Programs, including Head Start, childcare services, and education and support through the Martha’s Vineyard Family Center; Connect to End Violence, a domestic violence and rape crisis center providing free and confidential services; Disability Services, which offers programs for persons living with disabilities and their families; and Island Wide Youth Collaborative, a new program that provides an Island-wide integrated system of behavioral health care.

The agency also runs the Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven, known to many islanders as “Chicken Alley,” which provides recycled clothing and household items for the community.