The Friends of TEIA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization founded in 2002 when the need was recognized to have more year-round island children involved in TEIA’s summer programs. Friends is dedicated to offering “camperships” to island children so they can 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 2024, Friends of TEIA provided camperships for 32 island children to attend summer programs, contributing over $24,000 in fees and memberships toward the children’s activities to the club. The sailing program is by far the most popular, followed by enrollments in kid’s camps and tennis lessons.
Over the years, Friends has purchased numerous sailboats and chase boats used by the sailing program and donated money to purchase replacement OPTI sailboats. In the past, Friends sponsored a Red Cross babysitting course, an arts camp week, a puppet theater camp week, a week camp of Circus Smirkus, and trips on the Lucky Catch lobster boat! All TEIA summer campers enjoy these special programs.
You may ask, “How do we do all of this?” And the answer is “with your help and generosity!” 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 have contributed since 2002 to assure 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. Members of the Friends Board are Gail Trefethern-Kelley (Chairperson), Perry Sutherland (Secretary), Kathy Hurley (Treasurer), Stephanie Birdsall, Kate Crothers, Kristin Meharg, Kelly Orr, Kevin Rocque, and Emeritus Stephanie Castle.
For more information, email Friends of TEIA at friendsofteia@gmail.com.
