Castaway to the Keys
While the Castaways volunteer tirelessly and diligently all year long, while also raising money for multiple charities, our signature event is Castaways to the Keys, our biggest fundraiser of the year. Every June Castaways from near and far converge on Key West (specifically the Doubletree Hotel, which graciously hosts us each year); our goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Care Camp Foundation for Kids with Cancer. In 2025, we raised $45,000 for this worthy charity, which gives sick children the opportunity to attend camp and just be kids for a while. Castaways to the Keys is almost a week of fun, parties, and music, all while raising thousands of dollars. Each day is a different event, some held at local restaurants, and some held at the Doubletree, with a different musician at each event. Here's a brief list of this past year's events: Tuesday our pre-pre-party was held at the Hemingway Social Club this year, and as usual it was Turquoise Tuesday. The music was by our own member musicians The Shanty Hounds, and we raised money through toenail painting and 50-50 raffles. Some members won door prizes as well. Wednesday our pre-party was at our Pub Club, Rams Head Southernmost, and our theme this year was tie-dye. Again, money was raised through the 50-50 raffles and toenail painting. Thursday is the first day of the event at the Doubletree. The theme this year was Shiver your Timbers Thursday, with everyone getting in the swing of things and dressing as pirates. The musicians were John Frinzi and Aaron Scherz, two enormously talented musicians who frequently perform together and proved to be an entertaining comedy duo in addition to their singing skills! We had an island-inspired buffet and cash bar all evening. Friday is traditionally a pool party during the afternoon, but first we have the Hangover Challenge for those who choose to register for it. This year we held a scavenger hunt - the Southernmost Scavenger Search - in the parking lot. Each team had to find all the items on their game card, and the team that found them all first won a coveted award and bragging rights until the next year. The sign-up cost of 25% is donated wholly to the Care Camps. Following the Hangover Challenge, we had a pool party with well-known and loved local musician Gary Hempsey. We also held a silent auction in the afternoon, with a variety of items donated by members and local businesses. Bidding can get quite competitive, and the money we raise again goes towards the Care Camps. Saturday is the main event. From 7-10 pm we rocked out to the trop rock of Mike Nash and Friends. We also had a surprise appearance by our PeeWee Herman dancers kicking it to the song "Tequila", followed by margarita shots from the very special Southernmost Coconut Castaways drink dispenser. This is also always a very special fund-raising evening, as we have representatives from the Care Camps to share video of the children and emphasize the importance of their mission. Sunday is the sad day. Sail Away Sunday was hosted at Salty Frog's, who generously opened up their space to us for the morning. Music was provided by fellow Castaway and member musician Roger Jokela. This year included some very moving tributes to our dear friend Jim Cozart, who sadly passed away last year. . |
| Serving Community Roles with Caribbean Souls |
