LUAU FOR HEALTH

 

October 14, 2023 | Dolphins Plus Bayside 

Authentic and wildly entertaining,
the Annual Luau for Health benefitting ☀️Good Health Clinic, is the Keys’ longest-running and largest Luau! It’s always a fun tropical night that also makes a difference in our community!

In 2022, a record-shattering $232,000 was raised by the
Kahuna Contest!

Would You Like to be Involved?

BE A CLINIC SPONSOR

Help in our mission to provide free and low-cost healthcare services to our uninsured community. Your Good Health Clinic annual sponsorship includes a certain number of Luau tickets based on your contribution level. Click below to learn more about our 2023 sponsorship levels. 

Be a VOLUNTEER

Would you like to be a part of the many hands who put this fun and meaningful event together? Apply here to be part of the team!

Be a KAHUNA

KAHUNA: /kəˈho͞onə/ noun

Hawaiian for a wise or important person.  A Keys Community Member who garners support for the Annual Luau for Health. Do you have what it takes to be crowned the BIG Kahuna?

How it Helps

1/3 of your Keys neighbors are uninsured. Our Keys community is built on the fabric of locals that keep our tourist town thriving; part-time servers, fishermen, maintenance and hospitality workers that go without insurance. They rely on ☀️Good Health Clinic for their care. We rely on our Donors and community leaders like you, to keep our clinic doors open for them. 

We are NOT a community that leaves those in need behind.

Congratulations Yvette Doherty!

We are proud to crown Yvette Doherty, real estate agent for Coldwell Banker Schmitt, the 2022 winner of our annual Big Kahuna challenge. Yvette worked hard and raised $53,456 — A new KAHUNA RECORD! 

Our gratitude to our kahunas, sponsors, hard-working staff, amazing volunteers, vendors, donations, and everyone who brought this Luau to life! A special thank you to Dolphins Plus, Inc. Bayside for the perfect venue and dolphin show. Wow!

2022 Kahunas

Don-Horton-2_Web

Donald (Don) Horton CBO, CRC 
D Horton Construction Co and Island Construction Management

“The Good Health Clinic is a cornerstone of health care for many locals”.  “I’m running for The Big Kahuna, to raise awareness and funds for this valuable organization!!”

Read Bio

Donald (Don) Horton CBO, CRC

D Horton Construction Co. and Island Construction Management

Although originally from Texas; how can anyone who’s lived in the Keys for 45 years say they are from somewhere else?  Don’s a local, he loves the Keys and the people in the Keys!

Don left his profession fighting oil fires in Texas, and moved his family to paradise after just one visit here in 1977. He graduated from fire academy at Texas A&M as well as graduated online with a degree in Construction Management. He’s the retired Building Official from both Monroe County AND Islamorada and holds many state issued licenses.  He owns Island Construction Management Inc and D Horton Construction Company. He has two daughters, Brandi and Amie, who reside in Islamorada, both are working professionals. He has a Grandson who’s married to the Best Grand-Daughter in – law in the world, has two Great (really great) Grand-Daughters. Everyone knows his significant other, Carla Bahn.  So to explain Don, well … it’s the name of his Boat:  “Livin’ the Dream”…

Burke,-Ron-WEB

Ron Burke MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEN
Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer – Mariner’s Hospital

“Because we are anchored to your health and our Keys community, I am proud to run for Big Kahuna and represent Baptist Health. The funds and awareness raised for the Good Health Clinic is important to me because providing care to those who need it the most is at the core of what we do.”

Read Bio

Ron Burke, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CEN

Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer – Mariner’s Hospital

Ron Burke is the Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Mariners Hospital in Tavernier, and Fishermen’s Community Hospital in Marathon, since December 2021. Burke has been with Baptist Health since 2007, previously serving as the assistant vice president of Nursing Critical Care and Oncology Services at Baptist Hospital of Miami. With more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience in a healthcare setting, Burke has actively worked to support the nursing profession. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and Masters of Science in Nursing degree from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill. He has also earned the Nurse Executive Advanced board certification.

“Because we are anchored to your health and our Keys community, I am proud to run for Big Kahuna and represent Baptist Health. The funds and awareness raised for the Good Health Clinic is important to me because providing care to those who need it the most is at the core of what we do.”

Pete-FrezzaWEb

Pete Frezza
Village of Islamorada, Environmental Resources Manager

”I have accepted the Kahuna Challenge because what’s more important than good health. We are so fortunate to have the Good Health Clinic which is striving to provide it. I love this community and am thrilled and honored to be a part of this fundraising effort.”

Read Bio

Pete Frezza

Village of Islamorada, Environmental Resources Manager

Pete Frezza is a twenty-two-year resident of the Upper Keys.  He grew up in Jupiter Florida and graduated from Florida Atlantic University with degrees in the Environmental Sciences.  He has enjoyed a career in the environmental field working within state and local government and at Audubon Florida’s Everglades Science Center in Tavernier for many years. For the last four years Pete has been employed by the Village of Islamorada as the Environmental Resources Manager.  He loves being a part of the Upper Keys community and being an advocate for all things environmental. Pete enjoys water related activities, birding, running, and exploring Everglades National Park.

”I have accepted the Kahuna Challenge because what’s more important than good health. We are so fortunate to have the Good Health Clinic which is striving to provide it. I love this community and am thrilled and honored to be a part of this fundraising effort.” 

Barbara-Bernstein-WEB

Barbara Bernstein,
Office Manager for Dr. Paul Bernstein

“We all have a civic responsibility to help others in some way or another. As much as you can, leave things better than you found them”

Read Bio

Barbara Bernstein

Office Manager for Dr. Paul Bernstein

Barbara Bernstein and her husband, Paul Bernstein, live and work in Key Largo. They have one son who graduated from Coral Shores High school and University of Florida, and is currently attending NYU for his graduate degree. Barbara received her degree is Dental Technology with two certifications in fixed dental prosthetics and Paul has his Dental degree from Northwestern University. They enjoy sailing, tennis, pickleball, birding, reading and the arts. Barbara and Paul have seen patients who want to have good health and cannot afford to carry the expense of medical and dental insurance, Good Health Clinic can and does help our community, family, and friends attain that necessary health care at no expense to the patient.

“We all have a civic responsibility to help others in some way or another. As much as you can, leave things better than you found them”

Yvette Doherty

Yvette Doherty
Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.

“I am brimming with pride and flush with excitement about running for the Big Kahuna position. Make a Y’S CHOICE, to support the Good Health Clinic, and support my fund-raising efforts in my pursuit of becoming the Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna for 2022.”

Read Bio

Yvette Doherty

Real Estate Agent, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.

Real Estate advisor and licensed Realtor, Yvette began her long history in sales as the managing owner of Parkway Auto Sales, an automobile dealership in Homestead, Florida, 35 years ago. Real Estate is her second career, launched after she and her family developed a passion for the Florida Keys, leading her, and husband Bob, to relocate to Key Largo, in 2005. She has been an active member of the Soroptimist International Women’s Service Club since 1997 and has worked on the Southern Regional Board of Directors since 2000. Her leadership roles have included, President, Secretary, Director, and she has chaired the committees for many of the organizations’ fund-raising events. Yvette has also volunteered with the Homestead Soup Kitchen for nearly 10 years. Yvette is currently The Secretary of the Sexton Cove Property Owners Association, since 2010, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Manatee Bay Club Condo Association. Supporting the underserved in her community has been a multi-generational passion for her and her family. With the privilege of success, comes the responsibility to make the world a better place. Words that Yvette, lives by.

“I am brimming with pride and flush with excitement about running for the Big Kahuna position. Make a Y’S CHOICE, to support the Good Health Clinic, and support my fund-raising efforts in my pursuit of becoming the Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna for 2022.”

Armando-Web

Armando Gonzalez
Owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry

“I am sincere in my efforts to raise funds for Good Health Clinic. This cause is near & dear to my heart because I am a retired Lieutenant with the Miami Dade Fire Rescue, Paramedic, as well as a member of the Florida Task Force. I was an Urban Search & Rescue Team member. I live by the mantra of “treating all of my patients like family.” Thank you in advance for your time & support!”

Read Bio

Armando Gonzalez

Owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry

Armando has been the proud owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry for the last thirty years. He considers himself extremely blessed to be a part of this wonderful community that he loves so much. He lives by the same mantra he has just modified it to “treating all of my clients & staff like family.” When Armando is  not working, he enjoys making new acquaintances, being surrounded by loved ones, friends, & family. There is nothing like a good adventure in his book! Such as traveling abroad, fishing, diving, & rappelling from helicopters these things bring him immense joy! However, nothing compares to the satisfaction he obtains from contributing to our community. Every contribution, however big or small, makes a difference in the Good Health Clinics mission to bring health care those in need. ​​

“I am sincere in my efforts to raise funds for Good Health Clinic. This cause is near & dear to my heart because I am a retired Lieutenant with the Miami Dade Fire Rescue, Paramedic, as well as a member of the Florida Task Force. I was an Urban Search & Rescue Team member. I live by the mantra of “treating all of my patients like family.” Thank you in advance for your time & support!”

A-Foley---Head-Shot-WEB

Adam Foley

President, Upper Keys Marine Construction

Help those who help us – it’s that simple.  Good Health Clinic has been supporting the Keys community for years through broad healthcare for the uninsured.   I am honored to run for this year’s Big Kahuna award and help this wonderful cause.” 

Read Bio

Adam Foley

President, Upper Keys Marine Construction

Adam Foley is a Fordham University graduate and native Floridian. He has been married to his beloved wife Jill for 12 years and together they are the proud parents of five fur babies: Daisy, Charlie, Lulu, Sadie, and Miles. Outside of work Adam enjoys sports, boating, and traveling. Adam supports several local charitable organizations including MarrVelous Pet Rescues, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, Dolphin Plus Marine Mammal First Responders, Coral Shores Athletic Association, Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, Elks Lodge 1872, BPW of the Upper Keys, and various philanthropies of our local chambers of commerce. Adam also serves on the boards of the Florida Marine Contractors Association and the Largo Sound Village Association.

Help those who help us – it’s that simple. Good Health Clinic has been supporting the Keys community for years through broad healthcare for the uninsured. I am honored to run for this year’s Big Kahuna award and help this wonderful cause.”

Jen-Hagen-+-Joni-Beever-WEB

  Jen Hagen & Joni Beever – The Dream Team

  Representing Affordable Asphalt & Charli’s Shave Ice

“We are excited to be running for the title of Big Kahuna this year! We personally know many people that have benefited from the important services Good Health Clinic provides to our community, and are honored to be helping their cause. Let’s spread the aloha!”

Read Bio

Jen Hagen & Joni Beever – The Dream Team

Representing Affordable Asphalt & Charli’s Shave Ice

Jen and Joni came down to the keys at relatively the same time, and have called this beautiful chain of islands their home for about a decade. They both have worked in the community with special events, bartending, and now, both have small businesses in the keys. They both have small children and love raising their families here. Jen and Joni enjoy giving back to the community by volunteering their time; they work with the Conch Scramble every year to raise money and have volunteered for Voices for Florida Keys Children many years. Providing healthcare to those who need it is so important to them after watching their mother struggle with her health and also struggle financially.  When she did pass, this community came together and showed their family immense support. So, both giving back to the community and providing healthcare, are causes near and dear to their hearts. They love the mission of the Good Health Clinic and hope to earn the title of Big Kahuna to help continue to bring health care to those that need it in Monroe County.

“We are excited to be running for the title of Big Kahuna this year! We personally know many people that have benefited from the important services Good Health Clinic provides to our community, and are honored to be helping their cause. Let’s spread the aloha!”

2022 Sponsors

PAST LUAUS

en_USEnglish