KATAMA, MA – If you’ve ever been to South Beach on Martha’s Vineyard, you have probably unknowingly driven by the Winnetu Oceanside Resort in Katama. A destination known for its breathtaking backdrop, weddings boasting a one-of-a-kind view of South Beach, the hotel also serves as host of the Possible Dreams Auction hosted by Seth Meyers.
The 46th annual auction was celebrated beneath a sprawling tented reception on the lawn, serving refreshments as guests grazed on luxurious auction prizes such as a signed Celtics basketball and lunch with Meyers himself.
The event also celebrates their outstanding community member of the year with the Art Buchwald Award for Community Service, this year presented to islander Dr. Robert Tankard. “He was my football coach, and an all-around great mentor,” Tom Smith, a former student, warmly recalled. “He and Tom Bennett have especially looked out for the veterans community – in addition to all his fabulous coaching over the years and all the young lives he’s changed, we’ve been honored to have his services for veterans in particular,” says Sandy Sedacca. “This award goes to someone who is a servant leader n the community, who is putting people first and understanding the needs of the year round population and has devoted their lives really selflessly to helping people feel a sense of uplift and support. That’s who he is, so it was almost honoring the longevity as well as the passion that he’s had.”
Founded 63 years ago, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services continues to support islanders in their times of need. “There are so many populations on the Vineyard and year round families comprising of people from all walks of life,” explains Sedacca. “To understand the importance of having mental health services on the island and behavioral health services -there’s a whole array of support that we give.”
It is one that Larkin Stallings, Board Member of the organization says has proved to preserve the island community and offer a lifeline for those in greatest need. “One in four of your neighbors, your friends, are gonna come to us at some point during their life,” he explains. “Statistically, Dukes County on Martha’s Vineyard year round is one of the poorest counties in MA. The people that do the working on the island 0the people you see that are waiting tables, and the teachers – and the folks that work for community services, and the firefighters and policemen – those folks are often times struggling because it is a beautiful place to live. We’re so lucky to be here. But it is an extremely expensive place to live and those factors present themselves as all kinds of mental health issues.”
To learn more about Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, visit their website.
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Emmalyn Reid 