If you’ve ever visited the chic and stunning Delano Hotel of South Beach, you’ll appreciate the fact that we transformed the Ag Hall in West Tisbury, into the Martha’s Vineyard version of the Delano. White couches, white pillars, flowing white curtains and sparkling lights adorned the Hall; the bright colors of women’s dresses and the clink of ice in glasses filled the room; the music of the and the festive mood inspired an event that surpassed any fundraising event on the Vineyard to date.
The food, provided by Jamie Hamlin, was divine. People actually parked out next to the shrimp table - grilled in something exquisite and topping oil laced Italian bread. The tenderloin was succulent; the tempura divine. The band rocked all night, but the party really started when Jim Belushi took the stage for a set of rockin’ blues…and massive flirting with the audience.
Houses on the Tube is the island’s only telethon and three days on the phones raised over $1 million dollars for the Island Affordable Housing Fund the weekend of July 25th. The Fund will use this money, so generously collected from the Vineyard community to build affordable and LEED platinum certified housing on the island - sustaining the people who make this island as magical as it is.
I am so delighted to be part of this event. As co-chairs of the fundraising committee, Kenn Karakul and I have helped raise over $2.5 million in eight years.
Thank you, everyone, for supporting these efforts and being part of the most wonderful community in the world.
