The indoor arena at Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center is usually full of horses and riders perfecting their equitation and honing their horsemanship.
On Tuesday night, it was filled with nonprofit leaders from all over the Island in celebration of the Martha’s Vineyard Nonprofit Collaborative’s 20th anniversary. The event honored special guest Gerald Jones, who has long served as board chair of Collaborative.
The organization helps the Island’s more than 300 nonprofits find their footing and connect with one another through professional workshops and networking events. Jackie Friedman, who has served as executive director for just over three years, said she was grateful to be recognizing the organizations and individuals that impact every area of Island life.
“Nonprofits contribute financially to the economy of [Dukes County] at double the percentage of any other county in the state. They’re a huge part of our life here,” Ms. Friedman said. “We work very hard to create this sense of community and try to create a lot of opportunities for nonprofits to collaborate.”
Mr. Jones has been central to many of these collaborations over the years, serving on the boards of multiple Island nonprofits and volunteering his time and resources to get important projects off the ground. Notably he spearheaded the Martha’s Vineyard Economic Recovery Initiative, in response to the economic downturn in the wake of the pandemic.
His colleagues took the stage to share how Mr. Jones embodies the spirit of the Collaborative.
“Gerald’s strength of character and love of the place is evident in his service,” said Ann Smith, Collaborative board member and director of Featherstone Center for the Arts. “He is passionate in his promotion of the Island and its nonprofit organizations.”
“The Island community will forever be changed by your extraordinary efforts and profound outreach. You have created a legacy that will last forever,” she said, addressing Mr. Jones.
Ms. Friedman that as the Island’s nonprofit community has grown over the last 20 years, the organization has exponentially grown its resources and expertise, something she is proud of. Recently, it hosted a “nonprofit speed dating” event where leaders of the Island’s nonprofits mixed and matched to swap ideas and produce unlikely collaborations.
Mr. Jones was honored to be recognized but said he found even more joy in seeing the Island’s nonprofit leaders all gathered in one room, thriving.
“It gives me chills,” he said.
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