As a 17 year resident of the Florida Keys, Loretta has deep roots in our community. She serves as both House Committee Chairman and Trustee at the Florida Keys Elks Lodge, where she  also plays a vital role in the Scholarship Committee. Her commitment to service extends beyond the lodge, as she actively participate in a variety of local events and charitable initiatives.

Karin and Christy are friends, tennis partners, and colleagues in real estate who are excited to join this year’s Big Kahuna fundraiser to support Good Health Clinic.

Karin, originally from Sweden, has lived in Islamorada for nearly 15 years and is a proud mom of two Coral Shores HS students. Christy has called Islamorada home for over 30 years and has two college-aged kids at UF. Both are passionate about the community, committed to their work, and maybe a little too into tennis.

They’ve teamed up to help raise funds for a cause that means a lot to them—because everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of income or insurance.

Rick has lived in the Keys a long time—most of his life’s been spent on the water, building things, and being part of this community. His family’s owned property along the highway for over 50 years, and he built a workforce housing project there to help folks who work hard and need a place to live. He has had more than a few good times out there too—hosting gatherings, bringing people together, doing what he can for our neighbors.

Amy Young is the one who encouraged him to run for Big Kahuna. She reminded him just how connected he has been to this island and its people over the years. But what really made it personal was when he needed hernia surgery and couldn’t afford the care. The Good Health Clinic stepped up and took care of him, no questions asked. They were there when he needed them, and now he wants to be there for them.

He couldn’t pass up the chance to give back to the those who had his back.

Christi and Michelle are the proud co-owners of Pilates in Paradise, a cherished local gem that has been part of the Florida Keys community for 23 years. Both women have called the Keys home for over two decades, embracing island life and all the beauty and connection it offers.

Christi, a Keys resident for 24 years, has immersed herself in the community through meaningful involvement and most times with leadership roles with organizations like Leadership Monroe (Class XVII), Key Largo Rotary, GLEE, American Cancer Society, Florida Keys Children Shelter,  Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, EcoWeek and after she became a mom:  Coral Shores Football Boosters and Rockstar Dance Studio. She shares her life with her husband of nine years, Victor Franchini, her bonus son Vic Franchini, 20, and their vibrant 9-year-old daughter, Mikayla.

Michelle, also a long-time resident, has made her mark through her dedicated work with the Conch Scramble Charity Golf Tournament, Habitat for Humanity, Key Largo Rotary, Coral Shores Football Boosters, and the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Monroe (Class XXXII), and shares her life with her husband Allan Pope and her son Ryan, who is 24.

Together, Christi and Michelle are more than business owners—they are passionate community members who embody loyalty, warmth, and a deep love for raising their families in the heart of the Florida Keys. Now Michelle and Christi are thrilled to join forces together to raise money and awareness for a pivotal organization for our community, The Good Health Clinic

Aloha! Big Kahuna candidate Nick Rodriguez, his wife Christi, and his children Henry (14) and Alex (8) have called the Upper Keys home for over ten years. A longtime restaurant manager, Nick is currently a territory manager for US Foods in Monroe County, bringing his passions for food and people together up and down the highway, from Key West to Key Largo. His other passions include local politics and youth sports, where he has coached and refereed soccer and basketball since 2016. He is the incumbent Chairman of the Key Largo Wastewater District, Vice-Chairman of the Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program, and an alumnus of Leadership Monroe’s Class XXIX. Nick is honored to participate in the Big Kahuna event and looks forward to raising money and awareness for the health of vulnerable and underserved communities in Monroe Country.

Leah and Dr. Sandy are the dynamic dentist–dental assistant duo who met the old-fashioned way – over teeth. Both proud Coral Shores High grads (Class of ’98 and ’04 – we’ll let you guess who’s who), they teamed up professionally in 2017 and haven’t stopped challenging each other since.

They have both been happily married to their high school sweethearts, and between them, they have four kids spaced exactly two years apart (yes, they have mastered chaos – and the carpool schedule). Their crew is always on the move with sports, and they lead by example: Dr. Brito is a 2x Ironman, Leah is a CrossFit junkie, and she knows just about everyone in the Keys – making them not only a powerhouse team but also deeply connected and family-oriented.

They are driven, outgoing, and maybe a little too enthusiastic about themed events. But more importantly, They are a team that lifts each other up, in and out of the office. The Big Kahuna is just another excuse for them to support a great cause, have a ridiculous amount of fun, and maybe win a few hearts (and dollars) along the way.

Let’s do this – with big smiles and even bigger goals

Keith Young is CEO of the not-for-profit Medical Center at Ocean Reef and its supporting organization, the Ocean Reef Medical Center Foundation. He joined the Medical Center in 2006 as COO, overseeing the facility’s startup and clinical programs. He also serves as Chairman of New Hope C.O.R.P.S., a non-profit providing residential and outpatient addiction recovery services.

Previously, Young developed and managed ambulatory surgical centers in partnership with physicians at Baptist Health South Florida, serving thousands of patients across 10+ specialties. During his decade at Baptist Health, he led operational turnarounds and was honored as the first recipient of the Leader of the Year Award. He also chaired the Baptist Hospital Directors Forum.

A U.S. Air Force veteran of Desert Storm, Young served 12 years and received multiple awards. He also managed a multi-specialty medical practice in Houston, where he grew up in a family of NASA engineers and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

He holds an A.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology from the Air Force, a B.S. in Biochemistry and Medical Technology from the University of Texas, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Society of Clinical Pathology, and the American Medical Technologists.

I’m looking forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in the Florida Keys by supporting the Good Health Clinic.