Reaching Our Goal —

It Takes an Entire Community

As we enter the second year of our five-year Capital Campaign, we are encouraged by the generous donations that have been pouring in. As of April, together we have raised $805,000 -- or 86% of $935,000 goal. We offer our most sincere thank you to all who have pledged.

With the finish line in sight, we are asking for full participation across our KBIA community. All gifts, both large and small, make a difference toward sustaining KBIA’s Mission and supporting the Facilities Improvement Plan.

In 1910, a group of year-round residents, hotel owners, and new summer residents formed a beach improvement society to ensure their vision of environmental preservation at Kennebunk Beach. Named the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association, or KBIA, the organization was primarily concerned with safeguarding the natural environment, limiting commercial ventures and keeping the beaches clean, safe and accessible to the public.

This mission has inspired a succession of KBIA volunteer leaders and dedicated members for the past 100 years. Fifty years ago, with the donation of Strong Cottage by Mrs. Margaret Woodbury Strong and the purchase of The Dipsy Baths (now known as Smith House), KBIA began offering programmed summer youth activities. From those early days of swimming lessons in the Cove, KBIA has expanded to its current programming, serving nearly 300 families and providing a wide variety of educational and enrichment activities to more than 500 children. Today, we find ourselves part of a century-old organization that has faithfully met a high standard of environmental protection and quality youth education – this generates no small feeling of responsibility. Now WE are in charge of setting the stage for the next 100 years of KBIA and strongly feel we all have a part to play in the future of KBIA. We hope you feel the same.

For your convenience, you may indicate your donation to the Capital Campaign on our Membership Form. Your donation gives KBIA the support it needs to continue providing quality programming, emphasizing both education and enrichment, and ensuring safe and beautiful facilities for the KBIA community. All donations will be recognized by name and donation level in KBIA materials, unless otherwise requested.

Sincerely,

David Stevenson, President, Board of Directors
Andrew Harrington, Board of Directors
Martin Lodish, Executive Director
Jonathan Turnbull, Chair of the Fundraising Committee