Good Health Clinic’s 12th annual Big Kahuna contest is underway in an effort to raise crucial funds and awareness for its mission of providing health care to uninsured residents in the Florida Keys.
This competitive fundraising event spans three months and concludes with the annual Luau for Health on Oct. 12 at Founders Park Beach, where the Big Kahuna winner will be announced and all contestants and supporters celebrated.
This year, 10 individuals have been selected as contestants, honoring their supportive and generous contributions to the community. The contestant who raises the most money will not only be honored with the Big Kahuna title, but will also hold the prestigious Kahuna trophy for one year. The reigning Big Kahuna duo, Emily Strain and Heather Pabotoy of Coldwell Banker, raised $40,631 in last year’s competition.
The lineup of contestants reflects the growing community support for Good Health Clinic and underscores significant changes within the organization. Although the organization is a private, grassroot nonprofit, eligibility criteria for those who may receive services is influenced by state law.
Recently, Florida legislation has increased the income thresholds for eligibility to receive services at the clinic by 50%. This legislative update recognizes the rising cost of living and health care premiums, aiming to make health care accessible to more working families. Now, individuals earning up to $45,000 annually and families of three earning up to $75,000 annually can seek services at the clinic. Kate Banick, the executive director, expressed full support for this legislative decision, emphasizing the clinic’s commitment to providing health care access to all residents in need.
New and existing clinic supporters are encouraged to contribute to their favorite kahuna contestants by donating directly to them, dropping off donations at the clinic or donating online through the Good Health Clinic’s website. Every donation plays a crucial role in sustaining the clinic’s mission of delivering essential healthcare services to uninsured and income-constrained individuals in the Florida Keys.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Good Health Clinic has facilitated nearly $100 million in donated medical services and medications since its inception. More information is at thegoodhealthclinic.org or 305-853-1788.
The contestants in this year’s Big Kahuna are:
MICHELLE BENNETT
Bennett is an Ohio native who spent her childhood vacations in Islamorada. After pursuing her teaching career in Tennessee, she knew the blue waters of the Florida Keys was where she truly belonged. In 2006 she made the move, and began working at a busy real estate office specializing in vacation rentals.
In 2010, Bennett became a third-generation real estate agent and is now working with Coastal Realty of the Florida Keys.
In addition, she’s a busy mom of three, a teacher and an interior designer.
She has helped to raise nearly a million dollars for research and awareness for her daughters’ rare condition of Rett Syndrome. As a parent to a special-needs daughter, she has seen firsthand the strains medical expenses can put on a family.
“We are blessed to live in such a beautiful location with many service workers who place priority on keeping our locals and tourists happy, as well as our booming economy. However, in that passion to serve others we place our own needs on the back burner,” Bennett said.
SUZANNE AND LANCE HOLMQUIST
Suzanne and Lance Holmquist live in Key Largo and have been married for 20 years. They are proud parents of three children and together manage a thriving charter operation in Key Largo and Key West. They restored the famous African Queen in 2011 and have operated her ever since.
Lance moved to Key Largo in 1988 and has been a vibrant part of the community. Before settling in Key Largo, he spent many years surfing around the globe and ran dive businesses on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Suzanne, originally from Glasgow, Scotland, began her career as a television editor before moving to Florida. She is a former board member of Treasure Village Montessori and has been actively involved in the Key Largo community.
“We accepted the Big Kahuna challenge because we believe that access to health care is a fundamental human right. We want to support an organization that provides health care to the uninsured while upholding their dignity and acknowledging their value in our beautiful community,” the Holmquists said.
JAMI HORVAT
Helping people is Horvat’s passion. She has been a registered nurse for 29 years, of which many were in the emergency department. She became a nurse practitioner 10 years ago so she could help her patients. She lived and worked in Miami for most of her life but three years ago Horvat and her husband decided to move to Key Largo full-time. One year ago, she became a primary care provider in the Upper Keys and serve the patients in the community.
“I learned about the Good Health Clinic and what it offers patients in our community when I was the manager of the Emergency Department at Mariners Hospital,” she said. ”I was so impressed with the care they provided for those in need in the Upper Keys. I am honored to raise money to benefit such an amazing cause.”
MARY HOUSTON
Originally from Avon Park, Florida, Houston moved to the Keys in 2013 and established herself as a respected figure in the insurance industry. With a career spanning back to 2002, Houston is the owner of Houston Insurance Agency in Tavernier, a venture made possible with the steadfast support of her husband Rex Houston, owner of Rex Air.
Beyond her professional achievements, Houston is committed to her roles as a mother, wife and influential business leader. Her dedication to community service is evident through her board membership at Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe and her active involvement as an ambassador in the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving as a trustee for the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.
“I decided to be a part of the Good Health Clinic’s Big Kahuna because it embodies my belief that community health is the foundation of a thriving society,” Houston said. “Together, we can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare.”
JAMIE AND JOSHUA MCNEW
Joshua and Jamie McNew are two local hairdressers who established the Islamorada-based J-Kindred salon in 2017 after Hurricane Irma. They’re both passionate about their Keys community they’ve called home for over 18 years.
Joshua and Jamie are parents to four amazing Keys kids in Davis, Adelynn, Scotland and Levi; and are a beautiful blended family. They love supporting other locals and spending lots of time on their J-Kindred boat with good friends and family.
“We are honored to be nominated for the Big Kahuna. There is no other group of incredible humans like the ones in this community,” the McNews said. “They are always there for one another and never skip a beat to help out their Keys brothers and sisters. It truly is like one big family.”
MELISSA AND LUKE PTOMEY
Melissa Ptomey has been a Keys resident since she moved here the day after graduating college in 2005. She is a marine scientist and research diver with thousands of dives, who knows the Keys reefs very well. She has helped with coral disease monitoring, damage response, restoration and coral spawning gamete collection. She owns two businesses: BioBenthic (land use planning/environmental consulting firm) and Island Music School in the Upper Keys.
Luke is a true Conch and the son of retired Monroe County Judge Regan Ptomey and Susie Ptomey, assistant to the-late Monroe County Commissioner Sylvia Murphy. After graduating Coral Shores High School in 2006, Ptomey went on to study professional music at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Ptomey was awarded Islamorada Community Entertainment music scholarships to help with college costs. While working on finishing his degree, he joined Endangered Speeches, a touring and recording band, and was a studio musician for many other bands/artists.
“We are humbled to be nominated for such an awesome cause and to raise money for the Good Health Clinic. Thank you for the nomination; now let’s get to work,” the Ptomeys said.
NICOLAS RODRIGUEZ
Nick Rodriguez, his wife Christi, and his children Henry and Alex have called the Upper Keys home for more than 10 years. A longtime restaurant manager, Rodriguez is a territory manager for U.S. 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 chairman of the Key Largo Wastewater District, vice chairman of the Mark Sorenson Youth Sailing Program and a member of Leadership Monroe’s Class XXIX. Rodriguez 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.
“The greatest wealth is health,” Rodriguez said. “It is an honor to be nominated to be a Big Kahuna and support the Good Health Clinic in their mission to provide medical services to those in need.”
BROOKE VEGA
Born and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Vega developed an appreciation for community, hard work and the value of home. At 16, she started a new chapter by moving to the Keys. She completed her education at Coral Shores High School.
Her professional journey began at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative (FKEC), where she worked for 18 years and held various roles that honed her skills in leadership, teamwork and problem-solving.
In 2006, she ventured into the real estate industry, drawn to the excitement of helping individuals and families find their homes. Her focus shifted temporarily as she prioritized providing for her family with excellent health benefits. In 2022, Brooke returned to her real estate work, eager to again assist clients in achieving their homeownership dreams.
“In addition to my real estate work, I am deeply invested in giving back to my community. One cause that is particularly close to my heart is the Good Health Clinic,” Vega said. “I believe access to quality health care is a fundamental right, and I am honored to support the clinic in their mission to ensure everyone in our community can receive the care they deserve.”
VIOLET WAHBA
Since 2007, Wahba has owned and operated Key Lime Products in Key Largo. Before that, she ran a local restaurant and met many locals who became friends. Wahba has also dedicated her time to volunteering for Key Largo School. Wahba has been an insurance agent, a resort manager and real estate agent.
In 2021, Wahba became a Rotarian with the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club to assist the community — a passion near and dear to her. She’s also a member of the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women organization.
Wahba currently runs her home and garden gift shops, Marathon Port Nautical, while waiting for Key Lime Products’ building to be completed.
Outside of these commitments, she is passionate in supporting the elderly at Oasis Nursing Home on Plantation Key, MarrVelous Pet Rescue and the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter.
“I am running for the Big Kahuna because I have lived in this community for a long time and have seen the work Good Health Clinic does to help the uninsured members of this community,” Wahba said. “I am looking forward to raising as much money as I can for this great cause.”
KENNETH WOLFE
Five years ago, Wolfe moved from Wisconsin to Marathon to take over the administrative laboratory position at Baptist Health South Florida’s Fishermen’s Community Hospital. He came with his wife, Samantha, and two daughters, Autumn and Aubree. They are saved Christians and are active members of Marathon Baptist Church. Samantha is also serving the community as an oncology nurse at Fishermen’s. The Wolfe family have grown to love Marathon and the Keys as a whole and enjoy serving our community.
“I believe in the Good Health Clinic’s mission and want to help give back to this wonderful community,” Wolfe said.
