Mayor Bob Johnson of Islamorada, weatherman Don Noe from WPLG’s Channel 10 and Clear Channel Radio’s K.C. Stuart will share center stage on October 23, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. kicking off "FLORIDA KEYS FOR KATRINA RELIEF DAY" at Islamorada Founder’s Park with the presentation of "Keys To The Village" to Mayor Connie Moran and visiting representatives from Ocean Springs, MS.

The united fundraiser, based on a concept presented by well-known Keys fishing guide Jimmy Lozar and with just six weeks of lead time, is now steam-rolling toward the Sunday afternoon debut. Residents, area businesses and friends from all over the country are rallying to the cause and the extraordinary fundraising skills of the Florida Keys when it comes to helping those in need.

Cay Clubs International, Caribee Boat Sales and Marina, Holiday Isle Resort, William Fountain Properties, Inc., Islamorada Fishing Club, Rotary Club of Key Largo and TIB Bank along with an entire community of volunteers have provided seed money, infrastructure and support to make this happen.

And happen it will in typical island style. Music, featuring both local and national bands and lots of it, will start the day and take us right to the closing hours. According to Sid Sussman of Professional Event Services, Inc. well known South Florida and Keys bands Big Richard and his Extended Orchestra, Dave Feder, The Regs, The Jesse Kelsee Project and the Marlin Too Revue will perform.

Later in the day, legendary guitarist Bo Diddley lets it rip along with "The Big Man" Clarence Clemmons on the saxophone, Iron Butterfly’s Mike Pinera, The Soul Providers and Frankie Ford.

A minimum donation of just $5.00 gets you through the gate with ample parking at the event site and at Coral Shores High School with free shuttles to and from the park. VIP packages including preferred seating, parking and access to a VIP tent with refreshments are available for a donation of $100.00 per person and available by calling Rick West at 305-301-3910.

Caribee Boat Sales and Marina will host a boat show with special discounts and donations to FKFKR for each boat sold. Mangrove Mike’s, SYSCO, Islamorada Fish Company, Coca Cola, Publix, Budweiser and Upper Keys Rotary will serve up the food and refreshments.

Activities include kid’s games, a bounce house, sand art, coconut painting, clowns, and letter writing contests. The kids will have their own stage for performances by local school bands, a fashion show and more.

At the Dog Park, Jill Hayes Photography will host a pet party and dog sporting event. There will be animal agility demonstrations and Lourdes Edlin’s World Class Frisbee Dogs of Miami will perform. You can even bring along your own pets for a photo session with Jill. Proceeds from the Dog Park events will benefit the Ocean Springs Humane Society to assist in the treatment and placement of orphaned animals.

The Islamorada and Key Largo Guides Associations will host a kid’s casting contest with free t-shirts to the first 100 participants. There will be a special appearance by Capt. Hank Brown of Hook Up Lures and free fishing lures for the kids. Through the help and generosity of Jim and Sheri Trice and the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust 100 fishing rods and reels will be donated to children in the town of Ocean Springs.

Mardi Gras beads will be offered by the students of Coral Shores High School’s INTERACT group along with commemorative posters of the event designed and painted by artist Pasta Pantaleo. Pasta’s artwork will also be featured on event t-shirts and kid’s sizes will be available. Event posters as well as donation buckets are available now at all TIB Bank locations. Pasta’s posters can also be purchased on E-Bay. The item number is 7358514708 and the title is
Florida Keys Katrina Relief Poster, Limited Edition.

All donations to Florida Keys For Katrina Relief are being channeled through the non-profit arm of the Rotary Club of Key Largo and are fully tax deductible. You can visit our website at www.reellifeart.com and click on the poster with the conch shell. For more information or to volunteer, contact Eileen McGuire, Event Coordinator at 305-664-2321.