2024 Art Buchwald Award for Outstanding Community Service
Possible Dreams has been the key source of fundraising for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services for decades. At its inception, the event was spearheaded by 1982 Pulitzer Prize awardee, Art Buchwald. As a political satirist, best known for writing for The Washington Post, Art Buchwald served as the chair/host of Possible Dreams for 28 years. Art’s wisdom, wit, and work reflected a keen observational sense and deep appreciation for history, society, and culture. He championed the cause at MVCS and brought in more than $7 M during his tenure at the helm.
Now celebrating its 46th year, Possible Dreams continues to celebrate Art Buchwald through the annual “Art Buchwald Award for Outstanding Community Service.” The recipient possesses key values and characteristics in line with Art’s contribution to MVCS and the broader island community.
These characteristics are service, generosity, kindness, creativity, longevity, and perseverance.
Possible Dreams, in conjunction with the Buchwald family, announces the selection of Dr. Robert Tankard of Vineyard Haven as the 2024 recipient of the annual Art Buchwald Award.
Fondly known as Bob, Coach, “Tank,” or Bobby, Dr. Tankard can rightfully be considered as one of Martha’s Vineyard’s greatest treasures. Bob’s service to the island has assumed many forms over the years: educator; principal; coach; Board member; Veteran’s advocate; counselor; and even television show host. Possible Dreams 2024 Chair and MV Community Services’ Board Member Dr. Nancy Monestime-Williams states, “When the nomination for Bob came in to the Possible Dreams selection committee, the team responded with a resounding “Yes!” It was hard for us to imagine any nominee more befitting than Bob for the award. His longtime service to the island exemplifies each core characteristic associated with the award.”
MV Community Services’ CEO Beth Folcarelli adds, “Bob’s decades of service to the island’s youth and families, and to Veterans in particular reflect who he is as a person. It is no surprise how beloved he is to those who have had the pleasure to join Bob in service, whether in the classroom, on the football field, at the Board table, or in a group counseling session. Bob brings quiet authenticity and wisdom to all he does. He cares deeply for Martha’s Vineyard and gets things done. Bob has inspired so many to find and pursue purpose and meaning in life and to focus on helping others.”