January 22, 2020
There are just five more months separating us from the 110th summer in KBIA’s history! How fast time seems to fly! It feels as if it was just yesterday that I began my new position as Executive Director of KBIA, back in November, yet, it seems that I have only blinked and here I am in the year 2020, writing to you about summer programming that is fast approaching!
I am truly thrilled to be back at KBIA. Growing up in Kennebunk, my first memories of the ocean are of Mother’s Beach and the playground, and just last summer it came full circle when my daughter had her first ocean experience playing in the waves at Mother’s Beach as well. My family’s experience echoes that of so many others that have made Kennebunk Beach a part of their own family traditions for generations. Standing amongst it all has been KBIA – a gathering place long before I knew it and will continue to be for many years to come. KBIA is a wonderful institution, dedicated to providing quality programming for youth and helping to preserve the Cove and its surroundings for all children and families who visit our campus.
There are some very exciting things in the works for the summer – we have purchased two new stand up paddleboards and plan to purchase new kayaks as well. Our Board president John Bauman has been managing a significant number of facilities and grounds improvements; things will be in wonderful shape come June! There will also be a few new classes, including a mixed media inspired writing course for ages 11+, and an afternoon storytime for toddlers! We are so excited for the Annual Day at the Beach 1K and 5K. Not only are we celebrating Maine’s 200th birthday this year but it is also the 110th anniversary of our beloved KBIA. Stay tuned for race updates this spring as we are planning our best race yet! Lastly, we will be using a texting system called OneCall this summer to notify you of any weather or class cancellations as soon as possible. Of course, more details on all these updates will be in the upcoming registration guide (available online on March 31).
In this 2020 season, I hope you will return to KBIA as a member and join me in embracing the spirit of inclusiveness and stewardship that epitomizes KBIA. Membership helps to support KBIA’s operations and remains an important part of our financial health and stability as a nonprofit organization. Our 2020 membership form can be found on our website here and is also attached to this email.
Membership is a vital part of our operations, but is still just one piece of the pie. If you are so moved, instead of asking you to join at a higher membership level, KBIA welcomes donations to some of our ongoing initiatives. As a community dedicated to our local community, we fundraise annually to support two main reserves – our facilities and scholarship funds. To remain a strong and safe institution, our seaside facilities need constant attention. Likewise, to honor our commitment to the local community, our scholarship fund provides the KBIA experience to local students who embody the KBIA spirit. A donation of any amount to either of these funds would help us to make a difference in the KBIA community and the Kennebunk community at large. Please visit the “How to Donate” section of our website to learn more.
As a member, I encourage you to reach out to me. I am new in this role, but I am eager and willing to speak with you. I hope that every day of the summer I will be given the opportunity to learn new stories from families about current and past KBIA experiences – with 110 years of operations, there must be thousands! I hope to see you at KBIA this summer!
Best,
Mimi Fox
Executive Director
