Parrot Heads in Paradise is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to assist with community and environmental needs, as well as provide social events for fans of Jimmy Buffet’s music and Key West lifestyle. The first official Parrot Head Club was started in Atlanta in 1989. I’m guessing that our Parrot Heads in Key West saw no need to rush into forming an official club, but they did adopt bylaws as a club in November 1999. You can find more details about the local club at KeyWestParrotHeadClub.com.
An annual meeting of 3500 Parrot Heads called Meeting of the Minds is held in Key West. This event not only includes music and fun, but a blood drive, toy collection for the Salvation Army, raffles, and other events to raise money for charity. The 20th Meeting of the Minds will be held November 3-6 and is already sold out.
The Parrot Head spirit is alive and well. In 2010, PHIP added 12 new clubs across the country. Parrot Heads around the U.S. gathered at the Gulf Coast from April through July last year to assist with environmental efforts dealing with recovery from the oil disaster. Members generously donated dollars, supplies, and volunteer hours. Jimmy Buffet, himself, hosted a benefit concert on the beach at Gulf Shores, AL. The concert was attended by tens of thousands of Parrot Heads and friends dressed in the customary Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats.
Parrot Head Clubs collectively raised more than 2.9 million dollars for charities in 2010. Members donated a total of 215,000 volunteer hours to environmental and philanthropic causes. The Paradise Charitable Foundation is involved with social needs and concerns at the local level. The mission states, “Through the ideals, the teachings, and the examples set forth in the life, the music, and writings of Jimmy Buffet, we strive with uncompromising passion to leave this world a little better than we found it . . . and have a BLAST while doing so.”
This philosophy describes so many of the events in Key West. Even though the events may be colorful and loads of fun and frolic, they typically support very worthy causes. The culture of Key West is carefree, but also very caring. It really is a great place to live! Give me a call to start your home search. Jimmy Lane 305-766-0585 or contact me online.
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