A fire in May destroyed the Big Pine home of Key West Police Officer Mike Pettee and his now-wife, Sheriff’s Deputy Tiffany Pettee. Mike Pettee suffered severe smoke inhalation when he went back inside to try to save the couple’s pets. Sadly, the three dogs and rabbit perished.
Pettee spent weeks in the hospital recovering.
As the couple sifted, literally, through the ashes, a group of downtown business owners in Key West was thinking of ways to help.
Mark Rossi, owner of Rick’s & Dirty Harry’s entertainment complex joined forces with Irish Kevin’s, Tiki House, Fogarty’s and the Bull & Whistle to organize a block party fundraiser known as Duval Donates. The group invited the Key West Police Department’s Love Fund to participate as the nonprofit charitable partner that could receive donated funds and pass them directly to Mike and Tiffany Pettee, said Daylin Sparks, general manager of Irish Kevin’s, who was instrumental in the event coordination.
“Together everyone worked to create an event that would show Mike and Tiffany just how much this community cares. And with that, Duval Donates, a party with a purpose, was born,” Sparks said. “While we’ve all been good friends for years and regularly support and sponsor one another’s events, this was the first time these Duval Street businesses had ever come together to organize and host a single fundraising event, which is what made it so special. It was truly a team effort. The streets were packed, and the number of familiar local faces who came out to show their support was incredible.”
On July 18, from 6 to 10 p.m., live music filled lower Duval Street. Vendors in tents lining the street sold drinks, food, games and raffle tickets throughout the evening. In addition to the organizing business, dozens donated food, booze, raffle prizes and money to help the couple.
“One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was when Mike and Tiffany took the stage to thank everyone in attendance for their love and support,” Sparks said. “Almost everything that made the event possible was donated or volunteered. Our musicians donated their time and talent to keep the music going all night. The police officers who provided security volunteered their time, and countless volunteers worked behind the scenes to make sure everything ran smoothly.”
Though the final fundraising total is still being tallied, Duval Donates has already surpassed $30,000, which was raised in just four hours.
“Seeing Mike and Tiffany surrounded by the love and support of an entire community was the most unforgettable part of the evening,” Sparks said. “Every raffle ticket purchased, every drink poured, every meal served, every donation made and every person who showed up was a reminder that they weren’t facing this journey alone. Watching an entire community wrap its arms around two people who have given so much to Key West is something none of us will ever forget. I’m never surprised by how people in Key West show up for one another, but every time it reminds me just how special this community truly is.”
Donations to help the couple are still being accepted at kwpdlovefund.com and through Venmo @lovekwpd.
