Sip still and sparkling waters, sample gourmet food, and sway to the sounds of live Brazilian music while supporting an important community effort at the annual Water Tasting by the Sea, to be held this year at the Captain R. Flanders House in Chilmark on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The popular fundraiser, now in its 18th year, benefits Vineyard House, the Island nonprofit that provides safe, sober housing for Vineyarders in early recovery from alcohol and drug abuse.
Tickets are $100 and are available online at vineyardhouse.org.
This year’s Water Tasting will feature special guest David Stanwood on the piano, accompanied by Choros Das Tres, a Brazilian instrumental group with an upbeat improvisational sound. The piano was owned by one of the Island’s leading celebrities, and was donated by Barnes Movers to help raise money for Vineyard House.
Local Smoke and Chef Alladdin El-Akkad from Passion Foods are preparing a variety of imaginatively prepared local foods, including Menemsha swordfish, Katama Farm beef, and a raw bar.
The Water Tasting will go on rain or shine under a tent at the Captain Flanders House, located on 60 beautiful acres of rolling pastures overlooking Bliss Pond in Chilmark. A silent auction and raffle complete the event, which begins at 5:30 pm.
Community members have contributed a wide variety of items and services to be auctioned off. Among the donors is noted local artist Allen Whiting, who has painted an original oil of the historic Flanders House to commemorate this year’s Water Tasting. Other exciting auction items include a complete kiteboard package, including a signed Cabrinha kiteboard, from Rob Douglas, who holds the distinction of “World’s Fastest Sailor”; and a private Cessna flight and lunch for two on Nantucket.
Funds raised at the Water Tasting help subsidize the cost of providing structured sober housing for up to 24 Island men and women at Vineyard House’s new campus on Short Hill Road in Vineyard Haven. For more information about Vineyard House, or to donate, contact Executive Director Dawn Bellante-Holand at 508-693-8580.
