Speed On The Water Key West Bash Adding Keys AHEC Health Centers As Beneficiary

Set for Thursday evening, November 6, the 12th annual Speed On The Water Key West Bash will shine its formidable fundraising spotlight on another nonprofit outfit serving the Florida Keys. The 35-year-old Keys AHEC Health Centers organization, “which provides access to no cost medical and low cost dental care for the school age children of Monroe County (Fla.), no matter their financial circumstances,” will join the Key West-based Samuel’s House shelter as a beneficiary of the longtime event.

Proceeds from the Thursday night auction and other fundraising efforts that evening will be split evenly between the charities, both of which are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

The 12th annual Speed On The Water Key West Bash will continue its tradition of creating a fine times for great causes. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp copyright Helmkamp Photos.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to be a beneficiary of the 2025 Speed On The Water Key West Bash charity auction,” said Michelle Nevel, the development director for Keys AHEC Health Centers. “This generous support will directly benefit our Children’s Medical and Dental Clinics, which provide healthcare to thousands of local children.”

Keys AHEC Health Centers was founded in 1990, according to its website. Keys AHEC has been coordinating health professional student rotations from Key Largo to Key West since its inception. The University of Miami AHEC Program, which partners with Keys AHEC, was established in 1985. The overall AHEC program was created in 1971.

A “mobile dental unit” vehicle is among the services provided by the organization.

“These services are essential to the health and well-being of our community’s youth,” Nevel continued. “We extend our sincere thanks to Speed On The Water, the donors, and everyone involved for helping us in our mission to ensure that every child in the Florida Keys has access to the care they deserve.”

The event will return to its traditional Pickles Pub’s Sandbar location on Greene Street, which will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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