Dreams Made Possible

The following is a complete list of the "dreams" available at this year's , an annual benefit for Martha's Vineyard Community Services, which takes place August 1. For more information on the auction, check out our preview of the event.

1. Kayak While They Work  

While the crew from Vista Window Cleaning and Painting Services washes your windows, screens and sills, owner Richard Cowen will whisk you and a friend away for a Kayaking Adventure on Squibnocket Pond. Have the ride of your life and maybe hook a striper. Return home to your sparkling windows.

2. Be a Star on the Ice  

Double jumps and triple toe loops! Have a one-hour private skating lesson with world skating hall of famer and Olympic Silver Medalist, Paul Wylie at the Martha’s Vineyard Arena with lunch to follow. At a mutually agreed upon date and time.

3. The Best Seat in the Garden  

The ultimate dream job for the kid in your life or the kid in you. Be a New York Knicks Ball Boy for a home game in New York City during the 2011–2012 season. Mutually agreed upon date, 12 years of age minimum.

4. You'll Be Amazed!  

Get a glimpse of the future on a tour of the media lab at MIT, where students and faculty are pushing the boundaries of how people interact with technology. Visit the birthplace of, among other things: musical greeting cards, Lego robots, "Guitar Hero," and "Rock Band." Lunch included. Up to six people on a mutually agreed upon date.

5. Big Red Dog Days of Summer  

Join Clifford creator Norman Bridwell, a 32-year auction veteran, in the garden or on the porch of Good Dog Goods in Oak Bluffs for a picnic lunch provided by chef Carolyn King. Take home an original one-of-a-kind painting of Clifford on a Vineyard beach, plus autographed books. For up to four adults and four children. (Dogs welcome!)

6. Lure Review

You and two guests will board the Tomahawk with famous Vineyard captain Buddy Vanderhoop and Harvard law school professor and avid fisherman Charles Ogletree for a day of fishing. Lisa Vanderhoop, first mate and professional photographer, will chronicle your adventure. Enjoy lunch on board compliments of Menemsha Cafe.

7. Pajama Pizza Party  

Stay up late at the West Tisbury library with children's book author Kate Feiffer, ghostly storyteller Holly Nadler and children's book author-illustrator Margo Datz. For ten kids ages 6-16. Mutually agreed upon date.

8. A Whale of a Timepiece  

Along with artist Tom DeMont of Edgartown Scrimshaw Gallery, you will craft a traditional vintage ivory carving. Both Tom's design and yours will be turned into one-of-a-kind watches hand-assembled by Rubin Cronig, founder of high-end watch company Vineyard Time. You will take home both timepieces and enjoy lunch for you and a guest with Tom and Rubin at Henry's at the Harbor View Hotel. Mutually agreed upon date.

9. Art, Music, and Food  

Enjoy a candlelight dinner for four amongst the wonderful collection at the Dragonfly Fine Arts Gallery. Cocktails in the garden patio will be followed by a sumptuous meal prepared by V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons and dessert by Cakes by Liz. Music for your magical evening will be provided by guitarist Eric Johnson, and you will take home a wonderful memento—an oil painting by Traeger diPietro. Mutually agreed upon date.

10. Bid, Shoot, and Score  

Watch the Washington Capitals play from the comfort of the Owner’s Box with members of the Capitals Ownership Group. You and three guests will enjoy dinner and drinks, and you'll take home an autographed Alex Ovechkin jersey. Available on a mutually agreed upon date during the 2011-2012 season, excluding playoffs.

11. An Evening out of Africa  

You and a guest will join award-winning foreign correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault and her husband, businessman Ron Gault, for an intriguing, informative and delectable dinner at l'étoile restaurant. Chef and owner Michael Brisson will choose a special bottle of wine to pair with a fabulous French meal. Mutually agreed upon date.

12. Meal with a SEAL  

Spend an evening with former Navy SEAL and counter-terrorism expert Tom Rancich. Enjoy a party for 12 at your home
featuring a taste of Southeast Asia prepared by Wiet and John Bacheller. Mutually agreed upon date.

13. Secrets of the Tattooed Girl  

You and three guests will enjoy a revelatory discussion and dinner at Lure Grill at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort with Dan Burstein and Arne de Keijzer, authors of the new book "The Tattooed Girl: the Enigma of Stieg Larsson and the Secrets Behind the Most Compelling Thrillers of our Time." If you feel so inclined, take a sunset water taxi ride from Edgartown to Lure and return to town on a complimentary shuttle. Includes autographed copies of the book. Dinner date preferably in August 2011.

14. You're So Vane  

Create a metal sculpture to take home with you during a half-day instructional session with Tony Holand, America's premier weathervane artist. Also, you and a guest will join Tony and his wife, Dawn Bellante, for dinner at the Chilmark Tavern. Mutually agreed upon date.

15. From White House to Clubhouse  

You and up to two guests will play 18 holes of golf with Vernon Jordan, Jr. at Farm Neck Golf Club, the scene of many a game between former president Bill Clinton and the influential Washington insider. Mutually agreed upon date.

16. A Dame And Game Extraordinaire!  

Enjoy boule and brunch at the lovely artistic home of Olga Hirshhorn in Vineyard Haven. The aim of this popular French game is to position large, heavy balls as close as you can to the small "jack." Regardless of your playing ability, you and six friends will be charmed by spirited competition and lovely brunch with host Olga Hirshhorn, among her famed collection of art—both fine and flea. Must be over 18 to attend on a mutually agreed upon date into the Fall of 2011 or after June 2012.

17. Trolley Follies  

Up to 20 people will take a comical trolley tour of the Vineyard with veteran Hollywood writer and stand-up comedian Marty Nadler. Then you and your gang will enjoy a waterfront clambake by Bill Smith’s Martha’s Vineyard Clambake Co. at an historic boathouse on Edgartown Harbor or at your very own Vineyard location. Trolley service provided by MV Tour.  Mutually agreed upon date.

18. Top Gun  

Find out what it’s like to be a fighter pilot! Be a co-pilot on a fighter jet as it simulates a dog fight. You will take off from Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA on a mutually agreed upon date.

19. Side by Side by Lapine  

Two tickets to join Pulitzer Prize–winner and frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine for New York City Center Encores! production of "Merrily We Roll Along" by Steven Sondheim and George Furth. You'll also enjoy a backstage visit with the cast and an exclusive dinner at the famous private restaurant Rao's with James and a cast member. Includes autographed copies of two of Sondheim's books. Performance runs February 8–12, 2012.

20. Legends of Laughter  

Four VIP tickets and a backstage hang with one of America's greatest comedians, Tim Conway of "McHale's Navy" and "The Carol
Burnett Show," and famed comedian and impersonator Louise DuArt,
anywhere on their North American tour on a mutually agreed upon date.

21. Art Afternoon in Gramercy Park  

Portraitist of seven U.S. presidents and many celebrities Everett Raymond Kinstler will take you on a private tour of his studio at New York's National Arts Club and the members-only Players Club, then he will treat you to lunch. Courtesy of New York–based Sewell Fine Portraiture, LLC, which represents America’s foremost portrait painters. Mutually agreed upon date.

22. Take the Bait  

Head out on a fishing trip with “Captain Grundy.” The half-day charter includes lunch, and the Captain guarantees you will catch a fish, or have the opportunity to try again another time! For up to three people 12 and older. Mutually agreed upon date.

23. Climb Your Family Tree  

Trace your ancestry with Harvard Professor Henry Louis “Skip” Gates, Jr. Count yourself among such notables as Mike Nichols, Yo-Yo Ma and Meryl Streep as Professor Gates researches your family tree and
analyzes your DNA to establish your own personal genealogy.

24. Picture This  

Nationally acclaimed photographer and music historian Peter Simon and jewelry designer Ronni Simon team up for a dream that includes dinner for four with Peter and Ronni at the Beach Plum Inn. You'll also get a family portrait by Peter and a $200 credit towards one of Ronni's unique pieces, which were recently featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Mutually agreed upon date.

25. Attention from the Flight Deck  

One person will fly from LA’s John Wayne Airport and land on the deck of the aircraft carrier the USS Kennedy in the South Pacific for a two-day stay in private quarters. Learn about the onboard equipment and join in on briefing sessions and mock drills. Must be subject to U.S. security clearance. Mutually agreed upon date.

26. Soar with the Eagles  

An amazing weekend in Philadelphia for you and a guest. Watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, November 13, 2011, including sideline passes and parking, a Saturday night stay at the Hyatt Regency, lunch and dinner for two and a jersey signed by Michael Vick.

27. Tour the Grand Dame of Ocean Park  

You and five guests will join Peter and Gwen Norton for dinner and a tour of the landmark Corbin-Norton House on Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs. Start with drinks on the wraparound porch, tour the fabulous restored Victorian showplace and then enjoy dinner with famed software inventor and philanthropist Peter Norton and his wife. Mutually agreeable weekday in August 2011 or July 2012.

28. The “Other Island”  

Sail to Nantucket with your favorite people aboard the exquisite 91-foot private motor yacht KelDi on a mutually agreeable date.
Enjoy a delectable catered lunch on board. Maximum 10 people.

29. Caves of Paris  

Eminent archeologist Duncan Caldwell will lead a one-day guided tour for up to six people to view prehistoric engravings in secret caves outside of Paris. Before your trip, engage with Duncan during a preparatory visit to his Vineyard home. Does not include travel, accommodations or cave transport. Best viewing time is between March and May 2012.

30. All the Fish that's fit to Print!  

Island angler legend Cooper Gilkes and Martha’s Vineyard Times editor and fishing columnist Nelson Sigelman know where the fish are running. Join Coop and Nelson on a Vineyard Fishing Adventure and read all about it in Nelson's account of your expedition in the Times. For four fisher folk.

31. The Ultimate OB Experience  

Enjoy the spectacle of the August 17, 2011 Illumination Night front and center with three friends. Join a literary and artistic crowd for the annual porch party at the Trinity Circle, Campgrounds home of poet and children's book author Richard Michelson and his wife, Jennifer, and receive a signed copy of his book, "Busing Brewster." Two days later you'll thrill to the spectacular view of the Oak Bluffs Fireworks from Offshore Ale's private third-floor dining room as you dine with three friends. Includes a brewery tour and tasting.  

32. Dine with Doc  

You and three friends can ask Boston Celtics Coach Doc
Rivers all your basketball questions over lunch in Boston. Mutually agreed upon date.

33. Sushi with Belushi  

Winner and a guest will be taken out for a sushi dinner by Jim Belushi and receive a script and photo signed by the cast of "The Defenders," a signed Jim Belushi CD, and "According to Jim" seasons 1 and 2 DVD sets. Location and date to be determined pending Mr. Belushi's TV and Broadway production schedules.

34. Landscape of an Artist  

The successful bidder and three guests will join noted landscape painter Allen Whiting on location. Experience first-hand how a master works and take home your 30” x 40” painting. Winning bidder is welcome to bring art equipment and paint alongside the artist. After your Dream Art Adventure, Allen will welcome you back to his Davis House Gallery, where you'll enjoy lunch by the Slice of Life café.

35. Bon Appetit – Oy Vay!  

Noted cookbook author Joan Nathan will prepare dishes from her new book, "Quiches, Kugels, and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France." MV caterer and locavore educator Jan Buhrman will give tips as you incorporate many local ingredients from Joan's garden. For eight people on a mutually agreed upon date June–September 2012.

36. Hang with the Bad Boys  

Enjoy a great view of the ice while sitting in the New York Rangers penalty box at a home game during the 2011–2012 season. Mutually agreed upon date.

37. Wit and Wisdom  

Enjoy a unique literary evening with the Pulitzer Prize–winning authors Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz at a very special Vineyard location. You’ll go home with signed first editions of "Caleb’s Crossing" and "A Voyage Long and Strange." Mutually agreed upon date.

38. Bring Arthur to School  

The ever-popular Arthur the aardvark and his creator, Marc Brown, will travel at their expense to any school in the country during the 2011–2012 academic year. Marc will talk with the students about writing, illustrating books, animation and the origin of his ideas. He will also bring a special gift of autographed books for your school library. Mutually agreed upon date.

39. The Envelope, Pretty Please  

You and a guest will attend Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards in Los Angeles. Before the show, you’ll have access to the exclusive celebrity VIP Room, and you can rest up for two nights at the Four
Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. To take place in April 2012. One of the two participants must be over 18 years of age.

40. Need a change from your summer routine?  

Find everything you need here! This dream includes a lovely lunch at Black Point Beach with Rose Styron, a beach day with lunch at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club, two Quansoo Beach days with lunch, a Lucy Vincent Beach day with lunch, a one day parking pass for Lambert’s Cove Beach, one evening of Parking in Menemsha from 5-9pm, two parking spaces for the 4th of July, 2012 near the Whaling Church in Edgartown, premiere parking at Good Dog Goods on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluffs for the 2011 Illumination Night and 2011 Fireworks Night, and for those times you need to leave your car in Vineyard Haven to hop on the ferry, you have seven days of off-street parking on William Street, just minutes from the SSA. Ask nicely and you may even get a ride to the ferry. Donated by: Barbara Armstrong, John & Wiet Bacheller, Bob & Bonnie George, Sheldon & Lucy Hackney, Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank, Elizabeth McBride, Richard Leonard, Kerry Scott, Rose Styron, Chris Wells, and West Tisbury Parks & Recreation.

41. Lunch with an Artist  

The lucky winner of this dream and three guests will enjoy a delectable lunch with internationally renowned artist Ray Ellis and his wife, Teddie, at the Farm Neck Café overlooking the 1st tee in Oak Bluffs. Mutually agreed upon date.

42. Sox It To ‘Em  

You and a fellow fan can sit in the Owner’s Suite at Fenway Park for a Red Sox game this September or next spring with David Ginsberg, Red Sox vice chairman and partner, and Alan Dershowitz, the Red Sox’ biggest fan. This Red Sox dream package includes dinner, drinks, and the game with running commentary by your hosts, along with a game ball to take home as a souvenir. Mutually agreed upon date.

43. Wine Not?  

Enjoy a Napa Valley weekend made for the best of wine collectors. You and a guest will stay for three nights at the luxurious Villagio Inn and Spa in Napa Valley. For one day, you’ll enjoy a VIP wine tour that includes a guided tour in a chauffeur-driven Bentley, meetings with the owners of up to four premium Napa wineries and a gourmet picnic lunch. Cap it all off with a tasting menu of an 11-course dinner for two at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, which has been voted the #1 restaurant in America. Don’t live in Napa Valley? No problem. American Airlines will fly you and your guest to and from any of their
destinations in the 48 contiguous United States or Canada, subject to
availability. To be arranged on mutually agreeable dates.

44. Hail To The Chefs Returns  

Always an Auction favorite—back by popular demand! Chef Christian Thornton of Atria and two mystery chefs will join forces to prepare a sumptuous multi-course dinner for you and up to 11 of your friends. This amazing dream includes a cooking lesson using the Island’s home grown produce and local seafood. Each course will be paired with an appropriate wine or champagne selection. To be arranged at a mutually convenient date and time.

45. Be an MVP

You and a friend can attend the 2012 ESPY Awards at the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles. Stay for two nights at a hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, and American Airlines will fly you both roundtrip from one of their destinations within the 48 contiguous United States or Canada.

46. Let the Dream Live On  

During the auction, plein air impressionist painter Meg Mercier will be immortalizing this year's event with an oil painting of the festivities and picturesque Ocean Park by the sea. After the final strokes and the last bids, one lucky attendee will take home this unique keepsake.