exuma NEWS
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exuma NEWS *
Happenings & Events in The Exuma Community
Donor Spotlight: The Kieley Family
For Minnesota native and Friends of Exuma champion Margaret Kieley, Exuma is more than a favorite destination, it's a place woven into the fabric of her family story. That connection deepened over time, culminating in the purchase of a second home in Exuma in 2021. Their commitment to Exuma naturally evolved into a commitment to contributing and giving back.
People, Programs, Places—and Friends Like You
Whether you have been part of Friends of Exuma since the beginning or have joined our community more recently, thank you. Friends like you positively impact every young sailor, student, and artist whose stories we highlight this quarter.
A Strong Start to 2026 - Momentum in Action
Because of your generosity, 2026 is already off to a strong and meaningful start in Exuma. Friends of Exuma is proud to partner with exceptional organizations that strengthen opportunities and community life throughout Exuma.
Friends of Exuma Announces First 2026 Community Fund Grants Totaling $212,000
Eleven community organisations in Exuma have been awarded grants totalling $212,000 from Friends of Exuma (FOE). These are FOE’s first 2026 Community Fund grants, having awarded nearly $2.5 million to its philanthropic partners since its inception in 2020 with the vision of supporting ongoing programmes and impactful projects that make a difference in the community.
Together in 2025 — Moving Forward Into 2026
In 2025, our community showed what is possible when commitment meets collaboration and partnership. On behalf of the Friends of Exuma Board of Directors, thank you for an incredible year.
NFI Regatta 2024 - onward together
The National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) is an anticipated annual event that brings together the communities of Exuma along with national and international visitors, for a week of sloop sailing competition.
An eventful year for the exuma arts network
The Exuma Arts Network has an eventful year! This year EAN hosted monthly Paint & Sip’s which were always well attended. The After School Creative Club had a regular attendance of 6 children, with the addition of 6-10 drop-in children from ages 6-15.
Skullers Rowing competes in international events in 2023
It’s been quite a busy year for the Skullers Rowing Club! In February 2023, the team competed at the Sarasota Invitational and brought home a gold medal in the Mixed Double event. In May, they took a smaller team of two boys (Andrew Bowe & Phoenix Robinson) to compete in the 2nd Annual Copa America Coastal in Lima, Peru.
2023 Run for Pompey & the upcoming 2024 Tour du Turquoise
The 9th annual Exuma Half Marathon, featuring the Run for Pompey, was a great success, welcoming approximately 300 runners to Regatta Park for a true community event. Young and old, Bahamian and tourist, it brought together a wide cross-section of people with a shared love for the island.
Successful establishment of mooring fields for the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership
Thanks to the Friends of Exuma Harbour Fund, 2023 has been an exciting year for the Bahamas National Trust and the Elizabeth Harbour Conservation Partnership as their joint initiative to install environmentally-friendly moorings to protect the ecosystem of Elizabeth Harbour came to fruition.