The FRIENDS OF TEIA is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization that was founded in 2002 when we recognized the need to have more year-round island children involved in TEIA’s summer programs. FRIENDS is dedicated to offering “camperships” to island children so that they may have the opportunity to participate in TEIA’s summer skill-building programs of tennis, sailing, and kid’s camp, as well as special events that vary each year.
We are a volunteer community-based organization. Through the generosity of Peaks Islanders, TEIA members, and island and mainland businesses, FRIENDS has provided annual “camperships” to scores of island children.
In the summer of 2023, FRIENDS OF TEIA provided for 37 “camperships” to island children who participated in our summer programs. This means that FRIENDS OF TEIA contributed over $19,000 in fees and memberships towards the children’s activities to the club. The sailing program is by far the most popular, followed by enrollments in kid’s camp and tennis lessons.
Over the years, FRIENDS has purchased numerous sailboats and chase boats used by the sailing program and has donated money towards the purchase of replacement OPTI sailboats. In the past, FRIENDS has sponsored a Red Cross babysitting course, an arts camp week, a puppet theater camp week, a week camp of Circus Smirkus, and purchased paddleboards. Back again, this year is a morning on the Lucky Catch lobster boat! These special programs are enjoyed by ALL TEIA summer campers.
You ask, how do we do all of this? With help – we depend on your contributions to make it all happen through the FRIENDS annual fall appeal and the donations from the Friends of TEIA Weekend in July, where the Color and Pages of Peak’s art show and reception, and the pancake breakfast the following morning all happen to help raise funds for the camperships.
The Board of FRIENDS OF TEIA is extremely grateful to the board of TEIA and to all who gave in 2023 and in the years past so that our Peaks Island children learn new skills, make new friends, and find out what a special place TEIA is in their lives now and in the years to come.
Gail Trefethern-Kelly, Chairperson; Perry Sutherland, Secretary; Kathy Hurley, Treasurer; Stephanie Castle, Treasurer; Kevin Rocque; Kristin Meharg; Stephanie Birdsall; Kate Crothers
Email FRIENDS OF TEIA at friendsofteia@gmail.com
