MEMBERSHIP

Dear Members and Friends of the KBIA Community,

This summer marks the 100th year that KBIA has provided outstanding programs for children. While KBIA has grown and changed considerably since its inception one hundred years ago, the continued dedication and support of our membership has been the organization’s enduring strength. Some KBIA members are long time residents of the Beach who learned to swim and sail in the Cove. Some members are newer, but still equally dedicated to KBIA’s mission and success. I hope everyone feels as fortunate as I do to be a part of this community during this milestone season. Even if you don’t currently have children in the program, we hope you will join KBIA as a member and a supporter to help celebrate our 100th Anniversary.

For summer 2010, our programming is being improved to accommodate a long-awaited “bundling” option.  For children ages five to ten, individual classes can be bundled to allow for three to four consecutive hours each morning thus removing the need for parents to shuttle their child from class to class. The likely bundle will include Tennis, Nature, Reading, Creative Arts, Pottery/Sculpture and Swimming. Traditional individual class registration, without bundling, will still be available. Final details will be in the 2010 Registration Guide that will be mailed and posted on www.kbia.net by March 30th.

Naturally, the highlight of the summer will be our celebration of KBIA’s 100th Birthday. On Friday July 30th, we will have an expanded Friday Fun Day and gather as a community to clean up the Beach and the Cove followed by a special bonfire.  On Saturday July 31st, we will have an expanded July Awards and Barbeque that will include a children’s carnival. That evening we will have an adult-only Lobster Bake Dinner and Auction. We hope everyone will join us to reflect and share a KBIA memory or two. Please be sure and spread the news. Anyone wishing to receive more 100th celebration information can provide their contact information on the Contact Us section of www.kbia.net. 

As in the past, annual membership fees help support KBIA’s programs. Membership fees remain a crucial element for us to achieve operational breakeven, to allow us to provide local scholarships, and to keep the cost of classes down. In addition to Membership fees, we will be reaching out to members to ask for a contribution to the 100th Fundraising Campaign. Specific information regarding the 100th Fundraising Campaign will be available in the spring.  As we move towards a more sustainable financial structure, I hope all members, new and old, will consider showing their support by committing to their previous membership level, or, if possible, increasing their membership support.  All of us at KBIA thank you for your continued backing and generous contributions. We would not be able to provide exemplary programming and quality instruction without your generosity.

Sincerely,

Martin Lodish                                                  
Executive Director, KBIA
mlodish@kbia.net