The first time I drove down Butler Avenue, I noticed this incredible mansion on
the east side of the road between 9th and 10th. Knowing I wasn’t welcome,
it just continued to be a mystery… until I was invited! I love history and this
place is truly Tybee history! Established in 1897, the Fresh Air Home has spent
122 summers on Tybee. With a total of six buildings on campus, they are all
classified as historic properties, with their ‘youngest’ building being 90 years
old!
The Fresh Air Home was originally started by Nina Pape. Gathering together
a group of like-minded friends, The Froebel Circle was created and focused
toward increasing the health and happiness of underprivileged children. Initially
starting out as just a small parcel of land, throughout the last 100 years many
people have donated funds and land to keep the Fresh Air Home open and
welcoming children. The daily program at the Home includes play on the beach,
supervised games on the campgrounds, crafts, music activities, Bible stories
and field trips. The purpose of the home is to improve the health of the children,
to build character and to help them grow into better men and women – both
physically and morally.
To date, the Fresh Air Home remains a summer residential camp for boys and
girls ages 3-11. There are four sessions of the camp of 10 days per session,
90 children per session, which is a total of 360 children each summer. Although
it costs $550 per camper per session, there is no cost at all to the children or
their families. The Froebel Circle raises the money. This place has provided so
many good memories for so many kids that just need a hand.
Now, the Fresh Air Home is in need of some help! Their crossover, which is the
longest crossover I have ever seen, is in desperate need of repairs. In order
to help with the costs, a Sunset Soiree fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday,
October 26th. Hosted by Mary Kay Andrews, this will be the must-attend
benefit of the season! In conjunction with the Grandview at Hotel Tybee, this
fundraiser includes tours, cocktails, a full buffet, raffles, a silent auction and a
book signing by Mary Kay. Not to mention Samba Savannah will be playing at
the Camp Pavilion and George Evans will be playing at the Grandview. Oh, did I
also tell you that renowned Chef Kurt Blaine will be cooking? It is going to be a
terrific event for a wonderful cause. I will see you at the buffet!
Get tickets and additional information at www.thefreshairhome-tybee.com or
stop by Seaside Sisters.
24 TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | OCT 2019
FRESH AIR HOME By Alaina Loughridge
/www.thefreshairhome-tybee.com
