Good Health Clinic is kicking off its 10th Annual Big Kahuna Contest to raise awareness and funds for the clinic, which provides health care services for uninsured, income-constrained adults and children in the Florida Keys.
This year, eight individuals were selected from a pool of nominees in Monroe County to use their personal and professional network to raise funds for Good Health Clinic patients. In the friendly competition, the person who raises the most money wins the coveted title of Big Kahuna and the honor of housing the Big Kahuna trophy in their home or business for one year. The winner will be announced at the 10th annual Luau for Health fundraiser on Oct. 8 at Dolphins Plus Bayside.
Donations may be given directly to Kahunas, dropped off at the clinic or given online at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org. Sponsorships are offered at all levels and include tickets to the big event.
With nearly 25% of the Florida Keys population uninsured, supporting the clinic ensures the essential health care that helps residents maintain jobs, improves a child’s success and gives individuals and families the ability to participate in, and contribute to, our community.
“The Kahuna contestants exemplify the best of our community. They are generous and motivated to make a difference in the lives of those around them.” said Kate Banick, executive director. “Through your support, we can continue to offer live changing and lifesaving care to the most medically vulnerable from Key Largo to Key West.”
Good Health Clinic opened in 2004 to facilitate true health care solutions for uninsured, income-constrained patients. With offices in Tavernier and Marathon, the clinic serves over 900 patients a year and has coordinated over $70 million in donated medical services and $9 million in vital medications to Keys residents for free.
The clinic’s small paid staff provides direct care and connects patients with medical professionals and entities throughout Keys, South Florida, and the nation who donate their health services. If you are uninsured and in need of primary/wellness care, medications, diagnostics, or an advanced specialist, visit www.thegoodhealthclinic.org or call 305-853-1788 to see if you are eligible to become a patient.
THE BIG KAHUNA CONTESTANTS
DONALD (DON) HORTON
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 to the Keys in 1977. He graduated from fire academy at Texas A&M and graduated online with a degree in construction management. He’s the retired building official from Monroe County and Islamorada and holds many state 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 granddaughter-in-law in the world, and has two great (really great) granddaughters. Everyone knows his significant other, Carla Bahn. So to explain Don, well … it’s the name of his boat: “Livin’ the Dream”…
“The Good Health Clinic is a cornerstone of health care for many locals,” he said. “I’m running for the Big Kahuna to raise awareness and funds for this valuable organization.”
RON BURKE
Vice president & chief nursing officer at Mariners Hospital
Ron Burke is the vice president and 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 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, Illinois. 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,” he said. “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 FREZZA
Environmental resources manager, Village of Islamorada
Pete Frezza is a 22-year resident of the Upper Keys. He grew up in Jupiter 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, Frezza 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. Frezza 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?” he said. “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
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 in 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,” she said. “As much as you can, leave things better than you found them.”
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, Foley enjoys sports, boating and traveling. Foley 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. Foley 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,” he said. “I am honored to run for this year’s Big Kahuna award and help this wonderful cause.”
Yvette Doherty,
Real estate agent, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co.
Real estate advisor and licensed Realtor, Doherty 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 her 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 and director, and she has chaired the committees for many of the organizations’ fund-raising events. Doherty has also volunteered with the Homestead Soup Kitchen for nearly 10 years. Doherty 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.
“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 Gonzalez
Owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry
Gonzalez has been the proud owner of Blue Marlin Jewelry for 30 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 Gonzalez is not working, he enjoys making new acquaintances and being surrounded by loved ones, friends and family. There is nothing like a good adventure in his book, such as traveling abroad, fishing, diving and 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 Clinic’s mission to bring health care to those in need.
“I am sincere in my efforts to raise funds for Good Health Clinic. This cause is near and 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 and support,” he said.
Jen Hagen and Joni Beever — The Dream Team,
Representing Affordable Asphalt & Charli’s Shave Ice
Hagen and Beever 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. Hagen and Beever 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 for 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, giving back to the community and providing healthcare are both 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,” they said.
