The Sunshine School was born out of the integration of the School for the Hearing Impaired and a group of Mentally Challenged children and young adults. These two entities merged in 1982 and developed into what is now known as “The Sunshine School for Children with Special Needs”.
It all began in 1990 when Norwegian sailors Mariann Palmborg and Peter “Fixman” decided to "give back" to their favorite island, and held a “Marine Gear Auction” aboard their double-ended ketch Fredag. Cruisers brought items they wanted to sell and put a price on them. Any amount over this price went to the Sunshine School. Mariann said, "It struck me how many people just gave things and did not want to receive any money at all. Here was a chance to really make money for the school."
In recent years, more and more items have been donated that have nothing to do with the sea and all proceeds go directly to the school’s operating fund. Recently, in between the anchors, winches and deck prisms, appear paintings by well-known local artists, wall hangings, lawn furniture, jewelry, day sailing trips, wine and so much more, and landlubbers are key participants.
Donated snacks and beverages are sold and all proceeds from these sales go directly to the school, as well. Several wood work and sewing items made at the school are also sold.
The Sunshine School auction has become so popular that several persons book their vacations to Bequia to coincide with the event.
