Did you know that there are over 100 non-profits based on Nantucket that make a big impact on the island community and beyond? Our amazing community is home to many different organizations from A (A Safe Place) to W (White Heron Theatre Company). The Fisher Team put together some info on Nantucket non-profits and their fundraising events for this summer. Please email us if you would you like us to feature your organization on our website. – Gina O’Callaghan
Nantucket Non-Profits
Who: Adam’s Camp Nantucket
What: Adam’s Camp is a program that provides intensive therapeutic and recreational programs to children with developmental disabilities and their families. The opportunity to attend this unique camp has been life changing for many our local families.
When: THE NANTUCKET FUN FISHING ADVENTURE
Event: Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this fantastic day of fishing and fun while supporting Adam’s Camp Nantucket. Ride on one of several great Nantucket sport fishing boats crewed by professionals and enjoy island fishing at its peak. After a morning of catching, return to Slip 14 for the party, prizes and a silent auction with great items…
Tickets for the Fun Fishing Adventure
Ways to Help Adam’s Camp!
Who: Maria Mitchell Association – Nantucket’s Science Center
What: The mission of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association is promotion of the legacy of Maria Mitchell and exploration, education and enjoyment of Nantucket’s land, waters and skies beyond. The NMMA provides scientific resources and educational programs for the community, uses Nantucket Island as an exceptional natural laboratory in which to study science and the environment, and maintains research and/or representative collections of Nantucket’s biodiversity.
When: THE 2017 NANTUCKET RED-TIE SOIREE
Event: Join Maria Mitchell for a fun-filled and exciting evening as the Association presents the Nantucket Red-Tie Soiree. This is their largest fundraiser of the year and they are pulling out all the stops. Along with some great surprises, you’ll enjoy an open bar, exceptional food and great music from the Perry Rossi Band. They also have Spanky’s Raw Bar!
Ways to Help Maria Mitchell!
Who: Nantucket Cottage Hospital
What: Nantucket Cottage Hospital is a non-profit hospital that serves the residents and visitors of our island community by providing a broad range of health and wellness services. NCH assumes the leadership role within the community by collaborating with other local organizations, to ensure availability of an integrated array of healthcare services and to respond to needs of the increasingly diverse and expanding Nantucket community.
When: NANTUCKET POPS CONCERT
Event: The Beach Boys will join conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra for a night of music, dancing and fireworks at one of Nantucket’s best beaches. This is the largest single fundraiser for the hospital, bringing thousands of people together at Jetties Beach for an unforgettable night of entertainment. If you have yet to attend a Pops concert, you have yet to experience one of the greatest Nantucket events of the year.
Where: The gates at Jetties Beach open at 4:30pm. Show opener at 6:45pm. Fireworks at 9:05pm. $30 pp, children $10, under 5 free.
Ways to Help the Cottage Hospital!
Who: Holidays for Heroes
What: Holidays for Heroes is an organization that started at the local level by inviting our National heroes and their families to Nantucket for an all-expense paid holiday vacation. They also fund American Dream grants and scholarships to help veterans start new businesses and pursue other dreams. Last year, the new organization Service Dogs for Heroes came to life.
When: AMERICAN DREAM TRIBUTE & GALA
Event: The Tribute & Gala honors Heroes released from duty during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, as well as the lives lost and still affected by the four planes hijacked and World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on September 11, 2001. The silent auction at the Gala is one of the best on Nantucket, and last year raised over $45,000. If you would like to make an in-kind donation for their auction, please contact gaelan@holidaysforheroes.com.
Tickets for the American Dream Tribute & Gala
Ways to Help Holidays for Heroes!
Who: Nantucket License Plate Project
What: The Nantucket License Plate is a MASSDOT Specialty License Plate available for Massachusetts registered motor vehicles with the exception of commercial vehicles. Revenues from Nantucket License Plate sales go directly to support Island non-profits for their programs that benefit children.
How: The initial Specialty Plate fee set by the state is $40, of which $12 goes to cover the state’s production cost and $28 returns to Nantucket. Note that this $28 is tax-deductible for the applicant. A $40 renewal fee, also set by the state, will be due every two years. For future renewals, the entire renewal fee will benefit Island non-profits and is fully tax-deductible.
Order your plate online
Organizations that benefit from the Nantucket License Plate Project
Who: Nantucket Slam for Cystic Fibrosis
What: The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to cure cystic fibrosis.
When: SLAM FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Event: This all-inclusive two-day competitive catch and release fishing tournament is designed for recreational and avid anglers alike. Anglers can fish with or without their own boats and are given with all necessary tackle and equipment. “The Slam” is the accomplishment of landing three designated species by one angler in the same day. For those of us in the Northeast this means a combination of Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, and/or False Albacore. Nantucket is one of those rare special places where a Slam is attainable.
Ways to Help Slam for Cystic Fibrosis!
Who: Nantucket Historical Association
What: The Nantucket Historical Association (NHA) tells the inspiring stories of Nantucket through its collections, programs, and properties including the Whaling Museum, Oldest House, Greater Light, Quaker Meeting House, Fire Hose Cart House, NHA Research Library and Old Mill.
When: NANTUCKET BY DESIGN WEEK
Event: Mark your calendars for the 2017 Nantucket by Design week of special events, the Nantucket Historical Association’s major summer fundraiser! This week of events celebrates the very best in creative and inspirational design across many fields and disciplines at the height of Nantucket’s summer season.
Ways to Help the NHA!
Who: Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals
What: Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals is an animal welfare organization. NISHA provides shelter and care for animals in need and promotes animal welfare through human education, outreach and advocacy. They have multiple programs including, stray dog and pet shelter, pet food pantry, spay/neuter services and Seniors with pets assistance.
When: PAWS FOR THE CAUSE
Event: This year marks the fifth anniversary of Paws for the Cause on August 2nd, NISHA’s main fundraising event. This is an incredible event at Bartlett’s Farm Garden Center, with a fabulous theme each year. Last year they raised over $130,000!
Ways to Help NISHA!
Who: Swim Across America
What: Proceeds from the swim will support cancer treatment and patient care at Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket. Through the efforts of these organizations and the support of SAA – Nantucket, residents and visitors alike can receive outstanding cancer treatment and support on the island.
When: NANTUCKET ISLAND OPEN WATER SWIM
Event: Swim Across America began as a relay swim from Nantucket to Hyannis and has evolved to 15 open water swims and dozens of pool swims around the country. We are continuing the tradition of SAA on Nantucket with another swim this August! Join hundreds of swimmers (including Olympians) at a gorgeous venue for a day to remember this August. Choose from 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile or Kids’ Splash options on August 26 or take part in the 4 mile distance on August 19.
Register for Swim Across America
Ways to Help SAA!
Who: Small Friends
What: Small Friends on Nantucket seeks to enhance the quality of life for families and meet the needs of working parents by providing the highest quality early education and care for the children of Nantucket year-round. Toward this end, Small Friends on Nantucket provides children ages three months though five years with an early education and care environment with trained and nurturing professionals.
When: Art and Artisan Show
Event: This has been Nantucket’s premier art show since 1991. Featuring over 60 celebrated artisans and craftspeople and their wares. This includes pottery, glass, furniture, jewelry, folk art, textiles, decorative arts, antiques, vintage and repurposed items, and more. The opening night celebration is a great way to preview the art while enjoying crafts, cocktails and canapes.