The Good Health Clinic (GHC) hosted 250 supporters at Founders Park in Islamorada on Saturday, Oct. 11. The park’s beach was transformed into a virtual Tomorrowland stage, complete with dancers, light-up accessories for attendees, video, food, drinks and electronic music well into the evening.
The evening raised money for low-income Florida Keys residents who are uninsured.
The annual fundraising event is in its 13th year, where Kahunas compete to raise awareness for the community resource and to be crowned the Big Kahuna. The evening not only crowns the winner, but honors past kahuna winners who’ve raised vital support, allowing GHC to provide free health care for the uninsured in the Florida Keys for over 20 years.
This year’s Kahuna competitors were Claire Hefner, Bernice Dionne and Natalie Shea, Loretta Dettmann, Christy Hughes and Karin Moerner Cedergren, Rick Riehl, Kristi Franchini and Michelle Pope, Nicholas Rodriguez, Leah Wampler and Dr. Sandy Brito, and Keith Young. The competition lasted more than three months, culminating on Oct. 11 with Dionne and Shea, of Shen Health, being crowned the Big Kahuna for raising more than $67,000 for GHC – a new record. Collectively the Kahunas raised more than $210,000.
“The Tomorrowland theme was chosen this year because it is about envisioning what we want our world to be. Reveling in a vibe of coming together and spirit of uplifting ourselves and those around us,” said Kate Banick, GHC’s executive director. “I’m grateful for the individuals, organizations and island community who come together with compassion, integrity and a collaborative spirit to ensure everyone in our community has an opportunity to be healthy.” She added that “all of us at the organization, including our patients, are extremely thankful” for the record-breaking amount raised.
In addition to the support from the Kahuna competitors, GHC thanked the event’s presenting “Force of Nature” sponsor, Fortune Family Foundation, as well as the VIP “Tsunami” sponsors: the Bokor family, Elks Lodge 1972, Baptist Health, Nagy family, Albury Landing and Doc on the Rock.
Plans are underway for the 2026 Kahuna crowing event.
The Good Health Clinic is a nonprofit organization that provides health care to low-income Florida Keys families and individuals without health insurance. It operates clinics in Tavernier and Marathon and manages a volunteer network of 100-plus medical providers, facilities and organizations. The GHC has been providing primary care, medications, diagnosis, access to specialists and even acute care such as surgeries and hospitalizations for over 20 years.
More information is at thegoodhealthclinic.org or 305-853-1788.
