2022’s inaugural “Be Like Mike” week was a huge success, so there’s no better way to continue the legacy of former county commissioner and Islamorada councilman Mike Forster’s legacy than to keep it going in 2023.
“Mangrove” Mike Forster was also a restaurateur and member of the board of directors for United Way of Collier and the Keys before his passing away on Sept. 6, 2021 after a battle with COVID-19.
“Mike loved our community and lived to serve others,” said Leah Stockton, Keys area president for United Way of Collier and the Keys. “He’d be so happy to see volunteers committing these small acts of kindness, whether it be donating canned goods or picking up litter.”
Set for Oct. 16-20, there are countless ways to help during “Be Like Mike” week. This year, UWCK is partnering with Reef Relief for “Be Kind to our Shoreline,” which provides volunteers with different cleanup locations. For the second year, UWCK will partner with Burton Memorial Church in Tavernier, Keys Area Interdenominational Resource in Marathon and Star of the Sea in Key West for a food drive. The donations made in Forster’s name will honor his biggest contribution to our community: feeding the Keys in times of need.
Use the hashtag #BeLikeMike on social media when conducting cleanups, donating canned goods or doing other positive acts in the community. More details are at uwcollierkeys.org/belikemike/.
