Supporters of the Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation gathered Monday night for a gala to benefit the foundation’s general fund and the organization's mission to preserve and manage natural habitats on the Island.
The event, which began with cocktails at 6 p.m. and a seated dinner later on in the evening, drew around 400 attendees gathered inside the large white tent on the Borggaard Farm.
“We’re especially lucky to have such generous hosts who can accommodate us and this large party,” said Nevenka Daniels, who serves on the foundation’s event committee. “This is a beautiful property the Borggaard family has allowed us to use.”
Noting the relative ample parking and rolling green meadow on which the event was held, Ms. Daniels pointed out that it was the first time the event had been hosted on the 27-acre farm in West Tisbury. It was previously held in Edgartown, which required shuttles to and from the Edgartown School parking lot.
An increase in sponsorships along with the robust turnout allowed the foundation to raise more than $320,000, which will go to supporting the foundation’s work in the coming year and upholding its mission to conserve the landscape and character of Martha’s Vineyard.
Pointing out the progress made in the past year, executive director Adam Moore noted the foundation’s ongoing accreditation process as part of the Land Trust Alliance, repairs to the historic Hancock-Mitchell House on Quansoo Farm, and preservation work on natural areas across the Island.
“We’re also looking to sell a giant white tent,” said Mr. Moore.
President Chris Alley was last to speak as attendees ate a dinner prepared by V. Jaime Hamlin. Thanking the donors and the board of directors, Mr. Alley noted the similarities between the restoration of the Hancock-Mitchell house and the work of the foundation.
“When you build a house, you cannot start with a roof nor the walls nor the floor,” said Mr. Alley. “When you build or restore a house, you need to start with a foundation.”
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