Possible Dreams Auction

Will Move to Outerland

After 29 years in the garden of Edgartown’s Harborside Inn, the Possible Dreams Auction this August will move a few miles up Island to the grounds of Outerland, the former Hot Tin Roof nightclub, to celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer in a rain-or-shine venue. The auction will be held under a tent at Outerland on August 4.

The Island’s pre-eminent fundraising event, the auction supports the wide range of human services provided by Martha’s Vineyard Community Services to more than 6,000 residents and visitors each year.

Over the years the auction — under the guiding hand of the late Art Buchwald, its longtime beloved auctioneer — has attracted celebrity participation, raised $7.25 million and became an integral part of the organization’s budget.

Last August, however, the threat of bad weather led auction planners to postpone the event for 24 hours. Heavy rain and fierce winds did sweep through the Harborside garden late that afternoon.

But the delay proved costly. Some celebrity guests were unable to attend, and attendance overall was significantly lower than past years. In short, the final tally was nearly $250,000 less than the previous year.