The Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Creative Living Award. This award was established in 1983 through the Ruth J. Bogan and Ruth Redding Fund, and recognizes members of the Vineyard community who embody Ruth Bogan’s spirit and love for the Island, and who have contributed significantly to the quality of life on the Vineyard. Last year the Permanent Endowment honored Steve Ewing with this award.
According to a press release, Ruth J. Bogan first saw Martha’s Vineyard in 1947 and was “delighted by the natural landscape.” Although a nurse by training, she taught herself painting, photography, sculpture, and three languages. Ms. Bogan was known to be an ingenious cook, an avid gardener, and someone who could fix anything. As her friend, Ruth Redding, wrote in 1983, “She met every problem as a challenge to be confronted with courage and intelligence.” Ms. Bogan retired to the Vineyard in 1968, and upon her death, the Ruth J. Bogan Fund was established to support the organizations that were meaningful to her, and to recognize members of the community sharing her “creativity and ingenuity” in many fields. Award recipients receive a $1,000 honorarium from the fund.
To nominate an organization or individual for the 2015 Creative Living Award, please send a letter or email describing their contributions to Island life, and explain how they personify the qualities of Ruth Bogan. Nominations are due by June 19, 2015. After a review of the candidates, the board of the Permanent Endowment will determine the recipient of this year’s Creative Living Award. The award will be presented at an event hosted by the endowment at a date to be determined. The mailing address for nominations is P.O. Box 1182, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, or email ajason@endowmv.org.
The Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard is the Island’s community foundation. Established in 1982, its purpose is to put charitable contributions to work for the people of Martha’s Vineyard by making grants to local public and nonprofit organizations, funding scholarships for Island students, and building an endowment that will provide resources to address the community’s needs in perpetuity. More information on the Permanent Endowment Fund is available at endowmv.org or at 508-338-4665.
