Good Health Clinic is preparing to host its annual Big Kahuna Reveal Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Founders Park Beach in Islamorada. This year’s event, themed “Mo’Rockin’ Moroccan Night for Health,” promises a desert-inspired evening blending old-world charm with a rock and roll flair.

Fundraising Culmination

The event marks the culmination of the annual Kahuna Challenge, a months-long effort by contestants to raise both funds and awareness for the clinic's services. The evening will conclude with the crowning of the top fundraiser, who will receive the title of 2026 Big Kahuna and the honor of displaying the Kahuna Challenge trophy for a year. Attendees can expect dinner, an open bar, and live entertainment as part of the festivities.

Contestants and Community Need

This year's contestants vying for the Big Kahuna title include Jaclyn Kelley from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Yesenia Moreno from New Edge Associates, Chelsea O’Connor from Mariners Hospital, Dr. David Padden from Omni Healthspan Cardiovascular Musculoskeletal Longevity, and Candace Rybak Kasandra Ibanez from Houston Insurance Agency. Kate Banick, executive director of Good Health Clinic, highlighted the growing need for the clinic's services. “More and more of our neighbors working in tourism, hospitality, retail and the trades simply cannot afford health insurance as the cost of living in the Keys continues to rise,” Banick stated. She emphasized the community's role in supporting the clinic, noting that “investing in the health of our neighbors is an investment in the health and strength of our entire community,” especially as the clinic faces reduced government funding.

Clinic's Vital Role

Good Health Clinic, a nonprofit organization, has provided no-cost, comprehensive medical care to Florida Keys residents for over two decades. The clinic serves between 700 and 1,000 patients annually across the Keys who would otherwise lack access to essential healthcare. Through its facilities in Tavernier and Marathon, and with the support of over 100 volunteer physicians, specialists, hospitals, and community partners, the clinic delivers an estimated $6 million to $8 million in donated medical services and medications each year. More information about the clinic's services and how to support its mission can be found at www.thegoodhealthclinic.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Access to the Big Kahuna Reveal Celebration is exclusively through annual clinic sponsorships, which range from $500 to $10,000. These sponsorships are crucial for funding life-changing medical care for Keys residents in need. Due to limited seating, interested parties are encouraged to secure their commitments early. Further details about the clinic and its operations can be found in reporting by Keys Weekly.