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Click here to download the Spring/Summer 2011 Newsletter.

NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Time, treasure or talent move us forward

With time, treasure or talent" is how my uncle would respond if asked how to support something worthy. And the KBIA community has certainly responded to this call.

Talent , in that a small group with experience in property development drafted a plan to upgrade our campus and shepherd its implementation.

Time , in that even though they returned home last August, volunteers have spent endless hours shaping the plans for KBIA's future.

Treasure , in that current pledges and donations leave us very close to reaching our stated fundraising goal.

Last year we launched the 100th Capital Campaign by celebrating our history and drafting a plan to shape the next 100 summers. It has been decades since the campus went through a renovation, and, truly, the initial success of the fundraising campaign has been astounding.

When we started poking around Strong Cottage and pouring the foundation for the new pool, we were confronted with unforeseen problems. As a result, we have incurred overruns, and we continue to seek leadership pledges to help us achieve our highest vision for KBIA.

As we continue to build an even stronger KBIA, we feel that it is important than many share in this process. The KBIA Board of Directors decided that the success of the capital campaign should not only be measured in the amount of capital raised but by the number of participants. Any amount you can give – a raffle ticket or a $25 donation – counts toward the participation goal. On Page 3, Shannon Belanger, co-chair of the fundraising committee, will share other ways in which you might participate. Much like her fundraising counterpart, Jonathan Turnbull, she shares a rich history with the KBIA. As a child Shannon was a camper, and as a teen she spent eight summers working in the office. She is married to an alum and is currently an active board member with two children in the program.

When it comes to the KBIA – call me biased, partial, slanted, predisposed, or "a homer" – the momentum of the capital campaign gets my heart racing. When thinking of the upcoming season, I hope that you are just as excited, too. Could it be the new course offerings in the art department, or maybe your child would be interested in helping construct two dinghies in this year's Advanced Woodworking class? Can you imagine, as a 9 year old, starting this project in Week One and then sailing in it by the summer's end? I can barely contain myself! Please keep reading, there is more! For very soon, the flags will be unfurled and raised to the top of the gaff, a signal that KBIA is kicking off its 101st season.

Plan on a visit to KBIA, or better yet, join us for the pool's grand opening on June 26 and Seaside Celebration on July 23. I also encourage you to reach out to any of the board members listed in this newsletter or on www.kbia.net. We would be proud to show you around. None of the terrific changes would have been possible without the efforts and generosity of our loyal KBIA community, and for that we thank you.

David Stevenson,
KBIA President