19th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament Raises $59K for Affordable Housing in the Middle Florida Keys
MARATHON, Florida Keys – Sunshine, spirited competition, and a shared commitment to community brought more than 100 local and visiting anglers aboard 30 boats to Marathon in the Middle Florida Keys for the 19th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament that ended May 10.10. The event, hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, reeled in an impressive $59,000 to support the construction of affordable housing for working families.
“This tournament is more than just a fun day on the water,” said Christine Todd Young, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys. “Every dollar raised will directly fund construction costs for a new duplex on 105th Street here in Marathon.”
Presented by Liechty Marine of Marathon and Suzuki, the tournament wrapped up with a lively awards banquet at the Marathon Yacht Club, where anglers were recognized across four competitive divisions. Top tournament winners include:
Lady Division:
● 1st Place: Bennett Sheltra – 24.4 lbs (Indiantown, Florida)
● 2nd Place: Erika Goodman – 14.2 lbs (Marathon, Florida)
● 3rd Place: Kristina Helms – 13.4 lbs (Grassy Key, Florida)
Junior Division:
● 1st Place: Justin Torro – 15.8 lbs (Virginia Gardens, Florida)
● 2nd Place: Damian Santana – 11.4 lbs (Key West, Florida)
● 3rd Place: Caidyn Young – 3.4 lbs (Marathon, Florida)
Weekend Warrior Division:
● 1st Place: Nate Duncan – 25.0 lbs (Key West, Florida)
● 2nd Place: Donna Hart – 23.8 lbs (Big Pine Key, Florida)
● 3rd Place: Jonathan Flatt – 18.4 lbs (Big Pine Key, Florida)
Pro Division:
● 1st Place: Ethan Wohlers – 21.8 lbs (Marathon, Florida)
● 2nd Place: Chase Johnson – 20.0 lbs (Summerland Key, Florida)
● 3rd Place: Steve Bellovich – 18.6 lbs (Key West, Florida)
The event has become a beloved tradition in Marathon, blending the thrill of fishing with a heartfelt cause, with this year’s tournament dedicated to creating safe, affordable places to call home for those who live and work in the community.
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Bennet Sheltra of Indiantown, Florida, pictured with her family and tournament organizer Christine Todd Young, celebrates her big win in the Lady division of the 19th Annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament. Organized by Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys, the event raised $59,000 for affordable housing projects.
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