The 16th Annual Leon Shell Memorial Sailfish Tournament once again benefited Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys.

Pictured – Professional Division Champion, Silent Hunter, presents check to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys.

This highly anticipated two-day fishing event, which is held in Key Colony Beach, honors Captain Leon Shell. Shell was a gifted and respected angler, as well as an artist who was famous for his handmade specialty fishing lures.
VNA/Hospice, the only not-for-profit home health, hospice and palliative care provider serving all of Monroe County, has been the recipient of the funds raised since the tournament began in 1986.

“VNA/Hospice was honored with the privilege of caring for Captain Leon Shell at the end of his life,” stated VNA/Hospice President & CEO Jody Gross. “The longevity of this tournament and its support of VNA/Hospice affirm the necessity of our agency programs and services.”

This year’s tournament was also part of the year long celebration of VNA/Hospice’s 30th Anniversary of caring for the Keys. To mark the occasion, VNA/Hospice COO Kathleen Ryzoc cast her line as part of the Hillbilly Deluxe team, which was captained by Scott Stoky. Ryzoc and her team captured the First Runner-Up award in the newly instated Amateur Division.
“There are three things in life that I love,” stated Ryzoc. “I love being a nurse. I love the work that VNA/Hospice does for this community. And I really love to fish.

“For me it was a trifecta weekend doing what I love most with thanks to the expertise of Captains Randy Hamilton and Scott Stokey.”

The tournament’s award ceremony, hosted by Sparky’s Landing at Key Colony Beach, was a memorable night for all who attended. Tournament Chairman Matt Anthony, who is also the Spark’s Landing manager, was on-hand to award the trophies and cash prizes to the following winners: Amateur Division First Runner-Up – Hillbilly Deluxe; Amateur Division Champion – Hel’s Angels; Top Angler – John Callion of Reel Obsession; Pro Division Second Runner-Up – Reel Obsession; Pro Division First Runner-Up – Main Attraction; Pro Division Champion – Silent Hunter; Dolphin Weight Division Champion – Main Attraction; Kingfish Weight Division Champion – Silent Hunter; and Dolphin Weight Division Champion – Silent Hunter.

Celebrations honoring the 30th Anniversary of VNA/Hospice will continue with the 31st Annual Queen Mother Pageant and the 30th Annual Fourth of July Picnic, which features a special surprise performer.

Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys is celebrating 30 years of service as the only not-for-profit home health and hospice agency in Monroe County.

Its hospice program was founded in 1984 to answer a call for end-of-life services in the community, with home health by the VNA following in 1988. VNA/Hospice maintains its dedication to the ever-changing health and support needs of the residents and visitors of the Florida Keys.

“We are so honored and fortunate to serve this unique and wonderful community for the past 30 years,” stated VNA/Hospice President & CEO Jody Gross. “Through the generosity of donors, businesses and fundraising event attendees, we have been able to constantly evolve our services and provide care for all of those that need us. We are looking forward to the next 30 years of serving our island communities throughout all of Monroe County.”

To learn more about how you can help support VNA/Hospice, please click here.

For the entire month of March, both Fausto’s Food Palace locations (1105 White St. and 522 Fleming St.) are participating in a community support promotion to benefit the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys. Pictured – Jimmy Weekley and Fausto’s Fleming Street crew.

Dubbed “Round It UP!”, the program enables customers of the locally owned and operated gourmet grocery and food specialty stores to recognize and contribute to VNA/Hospice, the only local not-for-profit home health care and hospice provider in Monroe County.

By rounding up their grocery bill to the nearest whole dollar at checkout, patrons of Key West’s premier old town grocery stores can assist VNA/Hospice in raising the more than $250K in annual funds necessary to provide charitable care to residents of the Florida Keys.  “Round It UP!” offers Key West residents and visitors an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of recipients of VNA/Hospice services.

“We are pleased to honor VNA/Hospice in our philanthropic support of Key West’s nonprofit community,” stated Alton and Jimmy Weekley, owners of Fausto’s Food Palace. “Since 1926, Fausto’s has been about family, friends and community – so we encourage all our shoppers to please help out those in need and round it up!”

“The VNA/Hospice charitable program is devoted to serving all those in need of home health and hospice care in our island communities,” said Jody Gross, President & CEO of VNA/Hospice. “We could not succeed without the generous support of local businesses and individuals. Every donation counts and all donations are crucial to further this work and develop new programs.”