KEYGULLS

Since its formation in 2021, Lost Key Krewe has been one of those krewes with a cause, setting its focus on improving the lives of people in the local community through the work that they do. In fact, the krewe is operated by a nonprofit called KeyGulls Corporation, whose business structure is designed as an umbrella to support multiple income-producing programs that fund their very own charitable projects and programs in a mutually beneficial relationship. Currently, KeyGulls has two programs, the Perdido Key Witches & Werewolves Halloween Paddle Ride and The Lost Key Krewe.

Driven by their strong vision to unite people through enjoyable activities and contribute to the greater good, founder, Cheri Bone, along with a group of ladies in the Perdido Key area, formed the KeyGulls. From there, it became a network of people, both ladies and gentlemen, committed to giving back to the local community while having fun representing it.

“The KeyGulls Corp. mission is to serve Perdido Key through events, fundraisers, and volunteer work and to better the community through our own charitable projects and programs,” says Bone. “We also partner with other organizations to accomplish this mission. Both the Lost Key Krewe and the PK Witches & Werewolves Halloween Paddle Ride fund our charitable program, Perdido KeyGulls Giving Back.”

Less than two years after its creation, the KeyGulls Corporation— and by extension, the Lost Key Krewe—have grown in membership and created a number of events bringing the community together, including hosting major community celebrations such as the Pensacola Mardi Gras, Christmas, and Fiesta Parades, as well as a family-friendly recreational Halloween event. They have also sponsored local events such as the Sandy Roots Songwriter Series Concert and The Perdido Key Music Festival. They also partnered with Feeding the Gulf Coast to become a Mobile Pantry Agency and collaborated with Keep Pensacola Beautiful to Adopt-A-Spot at a local park for litter collection in addition to starting their own “Lost Key Klean-Up” initiative.

“As a Feeding the Gulf Coast Mobile Food Pantry Agency, we distributed a total of more than 12,000 pounds of food to our Innerarity Point neighborhood with the help from the arms and hands of our Krewe & Witches to help sort the boxes of food,” Bone says proudly. “We have served 677 people in total. Our krewe also aims to make a difference in our community by launching a Giving Back Program called Recession Relief, which will provide rental assistance to our neighbors who need it due to the price of inflation and being working-class while living in a tourist destination.”

Clearly, the members of the Lost Key Krewe are determined to leave their mark on the community. As they increase their numbers and their reach, Bone believes the KeyGulls’ vision will make the krewe an effective force for change. “People join krewes like ours because they believe in the vision and crave friendship, fun, new experiences, charity, and an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves,” she says. “This takes literally a village to accomplish, and we can find a role for everyone who is willing to help. We have created a network that has become almost like a family. It takes all of us to get the work accomplished, and we're just that eclectic that tries our best—even when we encounter obstacles. We do what we can to make a difference and give back.”

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FLORA-BAMA’S 3RD ANNUAL FREEDOM RUN

From ribbons and bows, to flags and t-shirts, participants pulled out all the stops with their best red, white and blue attire, making this run scream AMERICA! This patriotic run featured a 4 Mile Run/Walk Course and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk! All fun run participants received a finisher medal once they crossed the finish line. A portion of the proceeds from this race will benefit AHERO Foundation. AHERO (America’s Heroes Enjoying Recreation Outdoors) connects Veterans with patriotic members of local communities by organizing outdoor events and social activities. Their goal is to heal the physical and psychological wounds of war and military service.

Independence Day Party And Open House

Fun was had by all at the Annual Independence Day Party and Open House for Youth-Reach. There were over 400 in attendance to enjoy food, face painting, games, water slides, tours of the 81-acre campus, and a fabulous fireworks show! Youth-Reach in Summerdale, AL is a long-term program intended to heal past wounds and restore families. They offer a stable and healthy environment where residents can learn, grow and thrive through individualized and comprehensive guidance. The services provided by Youth-Reach are offered at no cost to residents or their families.

10th Annual

The ‘Funnest’ Fishing Tournament on the Gulf Coast!

The Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo is a multi-species, recreational, and competitive fishing tournament for all ages. A portion of the ticket sales are donated to a non profit organization geared towards providing combat veterans with well-deserved family vacations.