Donor Spotlight: The Kieley Family

When visitors become neighbors, and giving becomes a family tradition.

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 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 — work the Friends of Exuma Harbour Fund is central to.

"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, reflecting 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."

For Margaret, that idea ties back to a theme Friends of Exuma returns to often: legacy. "It 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.