July 1 marked the start of Good Health Clinic’s 11th annual Big Kahuna Contest — a three-month competitive event to raise awareness and operating funds for the organization.
Participants are selected from a pool of nominees who embody the supportive and generous nature of our islands. This year, six individuals have been chosen to raise funds for the friends, family and neighbors in our community who need the services of Good Health Clinic. The individual who raises the most funds will be crowned the Big Kahuna winner at the Annual Luau for Health on Oct. 14 hosted at Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo. They will also have the honor of hosting the coveted Kahuna trophy for one year.
You can support Good Health Clinic and help determine the 2023 Big Kahuna winner by donating on behalf of your chosen contestant. Donations may be given directly to Kahunas, dropped off at the clinic or given online at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org. Individuals who need Good Health Clinic’s services may visit their website or contact the office at 305-853-1788.
Good Health Clinic is a local nonprofit that has provided needed health care for uninsured, income-constrained residents of the Florida Keys for nearly 20 years. Since inception, the organization has coordinated nearly $100 million in donated medical services and medications for our Keys residents in need.
Past Big Kahuna winners include: Rick Freeburg, former CEO of Mariners Hospital; Captain Skip Bradeen of Blue Chip Charters; Vicki Walker; Rob Stober of Hershoff, Lupino &
Yagel law firm; Nelson Sanchez, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy; Retz Reeves of Islamorada Investment Management; Jason Richards of Florida Keys Electric Cooperative; Dr. Tom Morrison of Doc on the Rock; and Dr. Derek Papp. Currently crowned Big Kahuna is Yvette Doherty of Coldwell Banker Schmitt, who raised a record-breaking $53,456 last year.
Here are the participants in the 2023 Big Kahuna competition:
KATHY CALHOUN
Kathy Calhoun is a certified registered dental hygienist who was introduced to Good Health Clinic while providing free dental care to its patients through a partnership with Caring for Miami Project Smile. She loves the staff at the Good Health Clinic and their hearts for serving the community. Kathy also works with Miami Southridge Senior High School providing free dental screenings to students through the Community Partner School program. Calhoun earned her degree in dental hygiene in 1986 and is passionate about public health.
Kathy and her husband, Dennis, have a home in Key Largo and spend their free time
boating, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. Calhoun shares her
passion for oral health and the Keys via her Instagram @thesaltyhygienist. Calhoun
said she is thrilled to be nominated as a Kahuna. When asked why she ran, she said, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and truth.”
SHARON DETWEILER
Sharon Detweiler has been a nurse for 29 years. Originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, Sharon and her husband moved to Key Largo in 2002 where they later welcomed a son. Currently the director of nursing for surgical services, she has worked for Baptist Health Fishermen’s Community Hospital and Mariners Hospital for 19 years. Sharon loves the lifestyle and the people of the Florida Keys and is thrilled to be involved in the 11th annual Big Kahuna Contest.
“In my profession, I frequently see the struggle the community members endure trying to obtain health care when insurance is too expensive,” she said. “This is why I am happy to help raise funds to help provide health care to those individuals who cannot afford insurance.”
EMILY STRAIN & HEATHER PABOTOY
Emily Strain and Heather Pabotoy grew up in the Florida Keys, giving them a deep-rooted appreciation of the area and the unique lifestyle it offers. They developed a lasting friendship as they grew up swimming at the Quay, exploring under the bridge to nowhere, fishing, shrimping and even camping in Heather’s grandparents’ backyard. In addition to their real estate endeavors as agents, both Emily and Heather are actively involved in giving back and making positive impacts to their community. Emily serves as a board member of the Coldwell Banker Schmitt Charitable Foundation and Heather dedicates her time as a board member for Upper Keys Habitat for Humanity. Their journey from childhood friends to a formidable professional duo showcases their unwavering determination, strong work ethic and genuine passion for the place they call home.
“We are so honored to be nominated for the Big Kahuna, because I was once a patient at the Good Health Clinic and I couldn’t think of a better way to say thank you,” Strain said.
MICHAEL ROJEWSKI
Michael is a luxury real estate specialist in the Florida Keys. He grew up in central New York and always dreamed of living far away from cold weather and snow. During college, he spent years working in aviation, allowing him to travel the world, explore new destinations and cultures and experience diverse climates. When he first visited the Florida Keys, he instantly fell in love with this island paradise and finally discovered a place he wanted to call home.
He loves to share his enthusiasm with prospective homebuyers and sellers in the area. Working as a real estate professional, his aim is to assist clients in finding the perfect home to suit their needs or selling their property for top dollar. The Florida Keys offer incredible diversity, with each Key having its own unique charm.
Rojewski is a director for both the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and Florida Keys Association of Realtors.
“I have accepted the Kahuna Challenge as there is nothing more vital than one’s well-being and supporting our community. We are incredibly lucky to have the Good Health Clinic, an institution dedicated to ensuring it,” he said. “I hold great affection for this community and feel immense joy and pride in contributing to this fundraising initiative.”
SAM STEELE
Sam Steele is the elected tax collector for Monroe County. He grew up in Miami and is a graduate of Florida State University. While attending college, he met his wife, Lauren, a sixth-generation Conch. They live in Key West with their three children: Carter, 5, Audrey, 3, and Jax, 1. Steele has a passion for public service and is involved with nonprofit organizations throughout the Keys. Some of his community involvement includes
receiving the 2023 Men of Valor Award from Samuel’s House; board member of United Way of Collier and the Keys, board member and treasurer for A Positive Step of Monroe County; board of Key Haven Park and Recreation Inc.; Rotary Club of Key West; active student mentor with Take Stock in Children; past chair for the American Cancer Society Diamond Gala of the Keys; Special Olympics volunteer; co-founder of Caring for the Keys, a large-scale Hurricane Irma relief effort founded by Jessica Haim; and Leadership Monroe County Class XXVIII. In his free time, Steele loves to spend time on the boat with his family.
“The only person we should be in competition with is the person we were yesterday. I am honored for the opportunity to help better our community by raising funds and awareness for Good Health Clinic,” Steele said.
CASEY WATKINS
Casey Watkins’ love for the Upper Keys started in childhood while visiting on weekends with his best friend’s family to fish and play in the sun. A full-time resident of Islamorada and a managing partner at the Key Largo Starbucks, he employs and encourages many of the community’s next generation of leaders. He said his heart is volunteering at community events, raising money for local charities or stocking the shelves at the First Baptist Church of Islamorada’s food pantry. He is also the “voice” of Coral Shores Hurricanes outdoor sports.
“The most critical part of a healthy community is its access to nutrition and health care. I love Good Health Clinic and their ability to provide a great service to the uninsured in our community. This is why I’m running for The Big Kahuna,” he said.
