On Saturday, May 23rd, the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center (EWECC) will welcome the community to Main Beach in East Hampton for another year of its annual “Kites for Kids” fundraiser. The event will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The family-friendly event, now in its fourth year, has become a beloved kickoff to the summer season on the East End, bringing together children, parents, and community members for an afternoon of creativity, fun, and support for an important local mission. Free parking will be available for fundraiser participants.
Founded in 1969, the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center is a licensed nonprofit childcare center, providing year-round, all-day care and high-quality early education for working families in the East End community. At a time when families continue to face rising costs across the board, EWECC remains committed to keeping childcare affordable while maintaining the highest standards of care and education. Fundraising efforts like Kites for Kids help make that possible.
The event invites participants of all ages to purchase and decorate their own kites with stickers, ribbons, glitter, markers, and other creative touches before flying them right on the beach. Kites are available for $12 presale and can be reserved in advance online. After May 15th, kites will be available for $15, with discounts offered for families purchasing multiple kites. Special one-of-a-kind kites decorated by Whitmore Kids are also available for $50 each. New this year, guests can purchase Kites for Kids bucket hats in both children’s and adult sizes to wear during the event.
Tess Wachs, an avid supporter and volunteer at the Center, spoke about what makes the fundraiser such a meaningful tradition for the community. She says, “Kites for Kids kicks off our summer season. It’s a great way to showcase our Center, our kids, our families, and our community – and have some fun at the beach. Come fly a kite with us!”
The event continues to grow each year thanks to strong community involvement and support. Volunteers from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Hampton and East Hampton High School will once again help bring the event to life, while water for participants will be generously donated by Citarella.
Beyond the colorful kites and beachside fun, the event shines a spotlight on the vital role EWECC plays for East End families year-round. The Center provides affordable early learning programs for children ages eighteen months to four years old, recognizing the critical importance of early childhood development and accessible childcare in sustaining the local community.
Whether attending with family, friends, or simply looking to embrace the start of summer on the East End, Kites for Kids offers a meaningful way to support local children and families while enjoying an afternoon at Main Beach.
To reserve a kite in advance and learn more about the event, click here.
