In the Upper Keys, expect to cross paths with some real doers. They’re the ones who go above and beyond to assist the Upper Keys’ close community and its members in times of need. Those who give their time and resources for the greater good deserve to go noticed. Three finalists enter for best volunteer in this year’s Best of Upper Keys. They’re all deserving of the honors, and so are the many others in the community. The Keys Weekly asked these superheroes for a little insight into what drives their volunteerism.
CARI SANDERS
Owner and office manager, Vital Signs, and, part-time customer service representative, Island Hammock Hospital
Volunteer with Save-A-Turtle Florida Keys, Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, Key Largo Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center and Island Dolphin Care
She thrives under the pressure and the craze that comes with any situation. Call her “Captain Chaos.” Without hesitation, she’d call upon Mr. Rogers as her sidekick during important missions. “His programming really impacted my life and my outlook on what it means to thrive as a community,” she said. Her efforts aren’t done alone, but rather with a group of people dedicated to serving their neighbors. She’s particularly proud of the inaugural Earth Day celebration put on by the Key Largo Community Preservation Foundation, of which she now serves as the chair.
“In 2023, I decided that I wanted to make sure that event was established during my tenure so that our community may enjoy it for years to come,” she said.
Volunteering, to Sanders, means bringing people together. She said spending time with the community has given her the chance to meet many people with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives.
“Volunteering opens so many doors to bring people from all walks of life together for a common goal and I think that’s a beautiful opportunity. No matter politics, race, religion, etc., people can find common ground and work together,” she said.
K. SHYLON MARTIN
Real estate agent, Engel & Volkers
Volunteer with Upper Keys Humane Society (vice president), Islamorada and Key Largo Moose lodges, American Cancer Society, Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys and Pascal’s Day of Service
“Miss Marvel” is known to work miracles in situations while providing the necessary materials to achieve a positive outcome. Sidekick Gary Falleur, aka “Woobie,” is her rock — nothing happens without his efforts behind the scenes. Following Hurricane Irma, Miss Marvel and her sidekick sprang into action, checking homes, properties and feral cats from those concerned residents who evacuated the area.
“When power was lost, some only had cell phones to keep contact. My sidekick and I went to homes to take photos and give updates to those that had evacuated,” she said.
Volunteering is Martin’s way of carrying the values acquired from her mom and dad.
“Each event they are with me in my heart to set goals and make them proud. I cannot put into words the feeling of presenting checks to children so appreciative that you would think $1,000 was a million dollars in their eyes, the look of rescued animals in their ‘furever’ homes and the faces of those that cherish the moment when their loved ones are recognized at Fight Cancer events.”
ASHLEY ARRABAL
Accounting manager, Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
Volunteer with Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, Take Stock in Children (mentor), Guardian ad Litem, Key Largo Rotary (president) and Coral Shores’ Interact Club
She’s known as “Lady Yes,” the one who tries to save the day when there’s a call for assistance, especially if it involves children. Sidekick Maryana, her daughter, stands by her side as her mom shows what it means to give back to a tight-knit community. Arrabal doesn’t take sole credit for swooping in and getting the job done; her undertakings involve a team effort. For example, the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter’s need for new mattresses prompted a Facebook post by Arrabal to raise money. In one day, funds were secured to buy 19 new mattresses.
“The saying ‘It takes a village’ is one that comes to mind for me. We need to take care of our own,” Arrabal said. “I was born here, graduated from Coral Shores, and have worked for FKEC for 20 years. This community does so much, and I am so proud to be a small part of it.”
If she had unlimited funds, Arrabal said she would purchase property and build a transitional living home for the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter in the Upper Keys.
