Annual croquet tournament supports Womankind

Annual croquet tournament supports Womankind - Meinhardt Raabe et al. posing for the camera - Pink M

The grass is greener on the other side

The lawn at Ed Knight’s private oceanfront Key West estate is as green as ever and ready for the 10th annual Womankind Croquet Tournament. Mallets and white tents await the teams to take the croquet court on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The elegant morning is open to public for a $15 spectator fee, which includes entry to the private Thompson Island off of South Roosevelt. Bagels will be provided by Goldman’s Deli and a boxed lunch which includes a croissant sandwich is provided by Cole’z Peace. Bloody Marys, mimosas and other tasty concoctions will be available at the cash bar. The dress code is Key West casual whites, but many guests pull off a vintage look with white attire and derby hats. To compete in the games, the cost for a two-person team is $400.

“This event raises so much money for women who are not covered by health insurance,” said Womankind Assistant Director Cali Roberts, who hopes the event will bring in about $65,000 over the two-day weekend. “The money raised goes to the neediest of the people in our community. Typically, women, after their children are taken care of, don’t usually take care of themselves. This money helps provide preventive care with no worries for them.”

The stylish, chic affair isn’t over on Saturday, either. On Sunday, March 22 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., the croquet finalists battle it out for the coveted trophy.

The celebration is capped off with dinner and carving stations catered by the New York Pasta Garden, an open bar, silent auction, raffle prizes and dancing under the stars for a $100 ticket that supports Womankind and its mission to provide affordable health care to locals.

Tickets are available at keystix.com and at the door.

Kristen Livengood
Kristen Livengood is a Marathon High School and University of South Florida grad, mom of two beautiful little girls, and wife to some cute guy she met in a bar. She enjoys red wine, Tito's, Jameson, running (very, very slowly), and spearfishing.