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.
Our mission hasn’t changed since the day we started: to support the people, programs, and places that make Exuma extraordinary. From a milestone Regatta to an unforgettable school production to a flourishing arts season, here is a look at what your support helped make possible:
FRIENDS OF EXUMA PARTNER SPOTLIGHTS:
70 Years of the National Family Island Regatta
Across The Bahamas, regatta season is a cherished national tradition, a celebration of
craftsmanship, competition, and culture that brings communities together on the water from island to island. And the grandest of them all takes place right here in Great Exuma. For seven decades, the National Family Island Regatta has been the crown jewel of Bahamian sloop sailing: the largest regatta in the country, and a homecoming that Exuma proudly
calls its own.
It began in April 1954, when a small group of Bahamian and American yachtsmen gathered nearly 70 working boats in Elizabeth Harbour to honor a way of life built on the sea. Seventy years later, that tradition still draws the nation’s finest sailors to George Town each spring to race their locally built sloops for the title every crew covets: “Best in The Bahamas.” For Exuma, it is the week our whole island comes alive, when families return home and our community shares its heritage with visitors from around the world.
This year’s milestone 70th regatta, held April 21-25, was one for the history books. Before a packed harbour, New Legend, captained by David Knowles, completed a remarkable comeback to claim the Class A championship after finishing third the year before, and, closer to home, our own young sailors made Exuma proud.
Friends of Exuma is honored to stand behind this event as its premier presenting sponsor. For an organization built on conservation, culture, and community, there is no better embodiment of our mission than the regatta, where sport, Bahamian heritage, and the next generation of sailors all come together on the water. Helping sustain a tradition this meaningful is one of the most joyful things your support makes possible.
Honoring Commodore Dallas Knowles
This year’s regatta also marked the close of a remarkable chapter. After serving as Chairman and Commodore of the National Family Island Regatta Committee from 2024 to 2026, Dallas Knowles stepped down from the role. During his tenure, he was a driving force behind the continued growth, organization, and success of the regatta, safeguarding a beloved Bahamian tradition while elevating it to new heights. His leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to sloop sailing and our culture leave a lasting legacy, and we are deeply grateful for everything he has given to this event. Happily, this is far from a goodbye; Dallas also leads the Exuma Sailing Club, and we could not be more excited to keep working alongside him, championing the young sailors of Exuma for many years to come,
If the regatta is where tradition is celebrated, the Exuma Sailing Club is where its future is built. As the club’s largest supporter year after year, Friends of Exuma, together with donors like you makes it possible to offer sailing entirely free of charge to youth in Exuma. With no barriers, everyone has the chance to learn discipline, teamwork, and confidence on the most beautiful waters in the world. The impact of that access is extraordinary. Through sailing, club members have traveled across The Bahamas and far beyond, to the United States, Puerto Rico, and even Portugal, representing their island on the international stage. And the results speak for themselves: at this year’s regatta, the club’s young sailors swept first, second, and third place in the Class E division.
Heartbeats on a Walkman: Exuma Christian Academy Rewinds to the '80s
On the evening of Thursday, May 7th, the Exuma Christian Academy turned the St. Andrews
Community Center into a neon-lit time capsule for “Heartbeats on a Walkman,” an original ’80s-themed production that had the room lit. From balloon arches and disco balls to
cassette tapes and big bow ties, the cast became the era, and the crowd was locked in from the first beat.
Billed as a heartwarming production “where love blooms when you’re true to yourself,” the play brought together students of every age, from the youngest performers to the school’s teens, in a celebration of music, dance, and self-expression. Every routine, every line, and every moment spinning on that Walkman reflected weeks of hard work, and the confidence and joy these young people have built throughout the year.
A production of this scale takes a village, and Exuma Christian Academy’s creative team made magic happens. Together with the school’s staff, parents, and supporters who showed up and cheered loud, they made the night one to remember.
Friends of Exuma is proud to support Exuma Christian Academy and thanks to supporters like you, we help cover the cost of tutors, testing, and teaching materials, giving these children the encouragement and opportunity they need to thrive. Evenings like May 7th are a vivid reminder of what your generosity makes possible.
Exuma Arts Network Celebrates a Vibrant Season of Creativity
The Exuma Arts Network (EAN) continues to strengthen Exuma’s creative community, bringing together artists, residents, and visitors from across The Bahamas and around the world through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural programming that celebrate the island’s rich artistic heritage.
This spring, EAN proudly presented An Island Unto Their Own, an Amos Ferguson – Cat Glass Exhibition, a remarkable showcase that paired together the iconic works of Amos Ferguson and Cat Glass, two voices shaped by faith, community and the beauty of Exuma. From vivid storytelling to hand-painted island scenes, their work reflects a shared truth: art lives in the places and people that shape it. The exhibition, which closed June 11th, drew enthusiastic attendance, from the youngest of citizens to the most seasoned, and sparked meaningful conversations about culture memory, identity, and the enduring influence of Bahamian art across generations.
“The exhibition highlighted the power of art to connect people and inspire new perspectives,” said Sann Sann Lam, EAN Founder and Executive Director. “Amos Ferguson’s work remains deeply relevant today, and seeing it in dialogue with Cat Glass’s artistic vision created a truly special experience for our community.”
Looking ahead, EAN is preparing for an exciting summer season filled with opportunities for creative engagement. Planned activities include summer camps, artist talks, community art projects, and collaborative events designed to nurture emerging talent while encouraging residents and visitors alike to participate in Exuma’s cultural landscape.
“We are especially excited about expanding opportunities for young people to explore their creativity this summer,” Lam added. “By providing access to artists, hands-on learning experiences, and spaces for self-expression, we are helping to build the next generation of Bahamian creators.”
EAN is excited to welcome a special volunteer, Andrea Avendaño Caneo, a visual artist, educator and researcher originally from Chile, whose interdisciplinary practice bridges contemporary art, anthropology, indigenous studies and social engagement. Her work explores how children and communities express cultural identity through creativity and artistic practice.
And EAN is equally excited to welcome back Amy Butler, a Friends of Exuma Director, who is an enthusiastic returning volunteer.Friends of Exuma is proud to support organizations like the Exuma Arts Network that enrich community life, foster cultural appreciation, and create opportunities for lifelong learning through the arts.
Gratitude for Board Directors Bill Sanford and Beverly Brigner
This summer, Friends of Exuma bids a fond farewell to two beloved Board members whose dedication, generosity, and goodness have helped shape our organization.
As co-founder of Friends of Exuma, Bill Sanford has been part of the journey from the very beginning. Alongside Bob Coughlin, Bill helped transform a shared love for Exuma into an organization that has touched countless lives across the island. Through the years, he has been a thoughtful leader, a passionate advocate, and a steady source of encouragement. Simply put, there would be no Friends of Exuma without Bill's vision and commitment.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Beverly Brigner, who has served as Board Secretary with grace, diligence, and an unfailing willingness to help wherever needed. Having worked alongside Bob at Paycor for many years, Beverly brought not only exceptional organizational skills to the Board, but also warmth, wisdom, and a deep belief in the mission of Friends of Exuma.
Together, Bill and Bev have contributed immeasurably to FOE’s success—and made the work more enjoyable along the way. We are deeply grateful for their friendship, service, and countless contributions over the years.
While they may be stepping off the Board, we know they will always remain part of the Friends of Exuma family.
Thank you, Bill and Bev. We are better because of you.
Donor Spotlight: Bill and Carol Sanford
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.
Margaret's connection to The Bahamas began decades ago when her parents, avid boaters who loved island life, introduced her to the islands. In 2012, she brought her own family to experience the magic of The Bahamas, beginning in Exuma and eventually exploring other islands including Harbour Island (Eleuthera) and Long Island. But the Great Exuma captured their hearts.
"We kept coming back to Exuma," Margaret recalls. "There was just something special about it."
That connection deepened over time, culminating in the purchase of a second home in Exuma in 2021. Today, Margaret and her husband Brad spend several months each year on the island, with their two grown children. Their commitment to Exuma naturally evolved into a commitment to contributing and giving back.
"We reached out to Friends of Exuma because we wanted to help," says Margaret. "What immediately stood out was how professional, transparent, and well-organized the organization was."
As they became more involved, the Kieleys met many of Friends of Exuma's charitable partners, volunteered in community programs, and developed relationships with Board members. Over time, that involvement grew into a deep sense of trust and shared purpose.
"Friends of Exuma creates opportunities to make a real impact," Margaret explains. "It's not just about giving. It's about helping people develop skills, confidence, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives for the better."
Several Friends of Exuma-supported initiatives have left a lasting impression on the family. Through the Bahamas Children's Mission (BCM), Margaret has been particularly moved by the determination and potential of children facing a myriad of challenges.
"The children are so capable," she says. "Sometimes they just need additional support, encouragement, and educational opportunities to help them realize they can do anything."
The family's involvement with BCM-sponsored swimming lessons has been equally meaningful, watching young people gain confidence and independence through learning a life-saving skill.
The Kieleys have also become enthusiastic supporters of the Exuma Arts Network. From Creative Club to Paint & Sip events, they appreciate how art brings people together while fostering creativity and self-expression. "There's a fun element to it," Margaret says. "But it's also building community."
Looking ahead, the family is encouraged by the growing focus on environmental stewardship across Exuma. They are particularly inspired by efforts to protect the island's extraordinary natural resources and by the increasing engagement of Bahamians in conservation initiatives. Friends of Exuma’s Harbour Fund is key to this need for environmental stewardship.
"We're guests in this country," Margaret reflects. "We respect the rule of law, and we want to contribute positively to the future of Exuma. Conservation and community go hand in hand."
When asked about the greatest opportunities for Exuma's next generation, the answer comes quickly: conservation, education and skills development.
"Tourism is Exuma's leading industry, and there are tremendous opportunities for young people to build successful careers," says Margaret. "Helping connect education, skills training, and economic opportunity can make a huge difference."
The Kieleys also believe that philanthropy is most powerful when it becomes a family tradition. Today, their eldest daughter, Katherine, serves as a Board Director and Treasurer of Friends of Exuma, highlighting the family's belief that the next generation should be actively involved in giving back.
“One of the greatest gifts my family has given us is the understanding that when a community gives so much to you, you should look for ways to give back;” said Katherine. “Our hope is that generation after generation people in the Exuma community will invest in its future."
Margaret shares that "[Friends of Exuma President] Bob [Coughlin] often talks about legacy. “For us, that means bringing younger people into the work. It's not sustainable for a small group of people to carry the responsibility alone. The more people who become engaged, the stronger the community becomes,” she concludes.
As Friends of Exuma continues its mission, the Kieley family exemplifies what is possible when visitors become neighbors, supporters become volunteers, and philanthropy becomes a family commitment.
What’s Hot this Summer: Summer Activities in Exuma
Exuma Arts Network
Treasures of The Bahamas
Summer Arts Camp
Session 1: July 13-17
Session 2: July 20-24
Session 3: July 27-31
9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Contact: SLam@Exumaartsnetwork.com
Limited Scholarships Available.
Exuma Christian Academy
June 29-July 24 Summer School, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, lunch included
Ages 2-17 | Hands on Tutoring, Fun Crafts, Lots of Learning Through Play
$150/week
Contact: info@ecabahamas.org
Bahamas Children’s Mission is hosting a series of fun summer activities at no cost:
Summer Read & Swim Camp: Activities will include: evaluating & diagnosing reading challenges, and providing individualized reading interventions based on each student's needs.
Camp also includes: Beach trips, cooking/nutrition, gardening lessons, lunches, field trips, games, crafts, STEM lessons as we use local environmental & animal welfare concerns as the backdrop for lessons.
Water safety, instruction, and swim & kayak lessons, throughout the summer. We teach the older kids how to be Water Safety Instructors, the younger ones get to learn from them and look up to them!
Virtual Summer Literacy Tutoring for year-round Reading Tutoring kids (who can't attend the camp) but don't want to lose their reading gains from this school year.
For more information, contact BCMExuma@gmail.com
Nelson Ranger Tennis: 2026 Tennis Camp (Flyer Below)
Exuma Community Youth Band on Tour
This summer, the Exuma Community Youth Band takes the stage well beyond home with performances at the Bahamas Consulate General and Florida Memorial University in Miami, the Bahamas Goombay Festival, and Sawgrass Mall. For these young musicians, the trip is about exposure, growth, and legacy, and your support can help send a student along. Details and ways to give are in the flyer below.
Learn to Sail This Summer
The Exuma Sailing Club's Learn-to-Sail Summer Camp returns August 17–21 at Augusta Bay in George Town. Free for Bahamians and open to ages 8–18, the week covers water safety, knot-tying, sailing, and race preparation - everything a young sailor needs to get started on the water. Campers must know how to swim in deep water. To sign up, contact Dallas Knowles at 242-524-8246 or the Exuma Sailing Club Facebook Group.
Support Friends of Exuma
Friends of Exuma is a registered U.S. 501(c)(3), and your generosity goes straight to work on the ground. Give wherever the need is greatest or tell us exactly which program you'd like to support, just note it on the donation form, and we'll honor your wishes.