Hi friends! Reef the fox here with your weekly “Reef’s Report.” Okay, listen. I joke a lot. I judge freely. I pretend I’m emotionally unavailable. But I need everyone to understand something very clearly: This community absolutely wrecks me, in the best way.
Pawsitive Beginnings hosted our second annual Friendsgiving Day lunch for the children and staff of the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter, and it was one for the books. There were cops. There were elected representatives. There were board members from the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce. There was laughter, connection and the kind of love you can feel in your chest. The sheriff’s office even let the kids explore a patrol car, lights, sirens, the whole deal. I saw at least three future deputies and one kid who very clearly plans to be the boss of everyone.
Now here’s the part that still blows my mind: Not one dime came out of my mom’s pocket. Not a single one. Every bite of food, every smile, every magical moment was made possible by local businesses and humans who showed up and showed out. Chef Michael’s fed the masses like culinary royalty. The Be Sweet Gelato truck arrived like a sugary miracle, and yes, I made the responsible choice and went with vegan pistachio gelato because cows’ milk and fox tummies don’t mix. Did I enjoy it? Possibly too much. Do I regret it? Absolutely not.
This town never ceases to amaze me. Truly. Creating meaningful, joy-filled experiences for these kids will never get old, not ever. And none of it happens without the donors who quietly, generously, and repeatedly say “yes” when it matters most. Endless gratitude to Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat, Chef Michael’s, Keys Audio Party Rentals, Be Sweet Gelato, Barbara Froelich, Rosie and Nelson Sanchez, Kelly Matacena, Tess Marra, Cindy Smith, Lynda Weinstein, Island Nails by Tania, Lee and Roger Young, and Brad Copeland; you are the reason this day existed.
So yes, this was Friendsgiving. But it was also proof that this community shows up with heart, intention, and a whole lot of love. And as your local fox correspondent, I can confirm: Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Until next time, Reef, over and out!
