As the second year of events has officially come to a close, I am happy to share a recap video of this year’s events with you. I am also excited to announce that we will return for the 3rd Annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament on April 18-20, 2024. So, save the date and tell everyone you know so we can continue to build this tournament together!

As many of you know, our organization is more than just a sailfish tournament. Thanks to everyone that has donated, sponsored, or participated in the Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament these last two years’ we have already been able to donate $20,000.00 to enrich the lives of special needs children. We have donated these funds to a wonderful organization named Mission Fishin’.

This year, Tony Davis with Mission Fishin’ will team up with Marathon’s Elementary school principal, Ms. Linda Diaz, to see where funds can be utilized within the school system to make a positive impact right here in Marathon. When I have more details on how they plan to utilize these funds, I will report back to you all.

This past Saturday, June 17th, 2023, Mission Fishin had a fishing trip scheduled out of Islamorada at Bud N’ Mary’s marina. The sun was bright and shining that morning, and it was a beautiful Florida Keys day. We loaded up the family that morning and headed to Islamorada to meet up with Tony Davis, the founder of Mission Fishin.

When we arrived, the Bud N Marys parking lot was packed! Lots of families had gathered to spend a day on the Miss Islamorada. It was wonderful to see all the excited kids that were going to participate in that day’s fishing trip.

As we waited for the final departure time, we got to catch up with Tony, R.J. Boyle, and Nick Stanczyk. Seeing different fishermen throughout our community and trading fishing stories with them is always fun.

As we approached Miss Islamorada, the group gathered, and I quickly explained who I was and why I was there. I proudly presented Mission Fishin with another $10,000.00 check this year. Everyone clapped and cheered, knowing firsthand how this money benefits their families and others like them.

Not only do these programs benefit children with disabilities, special needs children, and foster children, but also their parents. This is an opportunity to relax, have fun, and enjoy excursions that are not typical for individuals with special needs or disabilities.

After we snapped a few photos with the group Tony said some kind words, and everyone started to board the boat. The following week, I received a phone call from RJ Boyle. He is heavily involved in Mission Fishin with Mr. Tony Davis. For anyone who knows RJ, he is extremely busy, not only is he an avid fisherman, but he is also an artist and businessman. He wanted to reiterate his gratitude for the tournament’s continued support and take a minute to thank me again. He was blown away and very grateful.

If you would like to participate in next year’s tournament or help support us by donating, please don’t hesitate to reach out and find out how. Again, those dates are April 18-20, 2024. I look forward to seeing you all next year and continuing to grow my vision for our Keys community!