Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

I am overwhelmed with gratitude to our Island community who so generously supported the Give Me Shelter Art Show on Tuesday and Wednesday.

This is the third year Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard hosted our fundraising event, and it was our most successful to date. We not only surpassed our initial goal of $55,000 in revenue but doubled our sales from last year.

In two days, our Island community purchased 92 pieces of art, amassing a total of $122,114 in art sales plus another $3,300 in donations. I am grateful to all the wonderful volunteers who helped make the event a personal and engaging experience for everyone who attended. There was as much laughter and conversation within the old Grange walls as there was discussion on the artists and pieces in the show.

An extra special shout of thanks to Harbor Homes board president Jennifer Frank, Tanya Augoustinos and Marjorie Mason who curated the show and made the Grange Hall come alive with Island art.

An incredible thank you goes to the talented and generous Island artists who gave their hearts and their time and energy to support the work of Harbor Homes.

Personally, my heart is full as I reflect on the joy people experienced seeing local artists’ work, the conversations that raised awareness about our mission at Harbor Homes and the new and renewed connections with friends, partners and collaborators.

Lisa Belcastro

Vineyard Haven

The writer is the Harbor Homes shelter director.