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Welcome to the 62nd Annual Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Your participation in this tournament is the foundation of our success. More than 3,000 folks a year fish our tournament adding hundreds of memories, friendships and fish stories to their lives.
The profits derived from the Derby are given back to this Island community through scholarships to its young people and contributions to conservation activities to protect this marvelous island.
Twenty years ago, the late Arnold Spofford and I met with renowned artist Ray Ellis at his Edgartown studio to discuss an idea we had. We hoped Ray would consider painting a favorite island fishing spot for us. We would reproduce 100 and try to sell all of them to benefit a newly created scholarship program for our local youth. To be honest, both Arnold and I were petrified. We were obligating a lot of money, of which we had little. But, it was Ray who assured us that this would work.
Today, we have enjoyed 20 very successful years of “Derby Prints” painted and reproduced by Ray Ellis. On this year’s cover is a beautiful painting “Below the Cliff” of Aquinnah that few individuals get to see. Ray has given us much to be thankful for. Our scholarship program isextremely successful and this year with the partnerships with the Anne E. Clark Foundation and Vineyard Vines, we awarded a total of $30,000 to four worthy Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School students.
From day one, it has been Ray that has helped us generate more than $250,000 to help Vineyard students reach their dreams.
Ray Ellis, the entire Derby Committee and I, along with 42 recipients and their families during these past 20 years, salute you and thank you. Our tournament would not be what it is today without your generous contributions.
Thank you,
Ed Jerome
President, Derby Committee