Taste of the Vineyard’s Patrons’ Dinner, Dance and Auction
It was a beautiful evening under the tents at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House. Many guests were happy to visit with friends and neighbors for the first time this year. Catered by V. Jaime Hamlin the delectable hors d’oeuvres were served seamlessly by her professional team while the shellfish station offering Katama oysters and little necks was conveniently situated for everyone to help themselves.
The range of items offered in the silent auction kept everyone browsing while the exciting packages for the live auction were the subject of much conversation and curiosity. Everyone had to take time to admire the painting called “A Chilmark Pond” by Ray Ellis, which captured Keith’s Farm in Chilmark beautifully. It was particularly poignant as the beloved artist passed away so recently and was a dedicated supporter of the Preservation Trust.
As dinner began, Sally Rorer, Trust President, spoke about the recent projects of the Trust while a video showcased the related subjects such as the restoration of the Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs and the interior of the Old Whaling Church. Margo Datz recently completed the trompe l’oeil mural and was applauded heartily by many in attendance. Chris Scott, Executive Director, shared how generous Ray Ellis had been over the years, raising over one million dollars for the Trust over twenty- five years.
Vineyard Meets Downton Abbey
Next it appeared as if Downton Abbey began, only with two new characters played by Co-Chairs Elizabeth R. Neuhoff and Virginia L. Mortara. Somehow the “plot” had the two women mingling with the cast of Downton Abbey but determined to leave England and reach the Vineyard. Between their huge floppy hats, polka dotted dresses, big round sunglasses, snarky references to Nantucket, and the superimposition of actual scenes from the British series as well as the Titanic… the crowd was roaring…It was hilarious.
After the elegant dinner was served, Trip Barnes stepped up to lead the auction. Trip has never been described as a soft spoken, demure man, but he really shook things up and reminded everyone that the competition had begun! It seemed that the bidding wars escalated with each item-from the private tour of Bad Martha’s Farmer’s Brewery, to a Luxury Cruise on the Motor Yacht KelDi, to the red antique 1931 Ford Mode A Deluxe Roadster. Ultimately the final war was over the Ray Ellis painting which ultimately sold for $185,000!
The night concluded with a little dancing and dessert and a truly satisfied population- one again, the Patron’s Dinner Dance and Gala Auction for MV Preservation Trust was a huge success…