We gathered on October 18, 2023, at the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women's "Celebration of Working Women" event to celebrate more than just an evening of recognition. We celebrated hope, opportunity, and the promise of brighter futures. The Holly Given Fund, represented by Annie Hagen, director of the Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament, proudly presented this year's scholarship recipients, Isis Majeska and Caitlin Yong.

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A Legacy of Love and Empowerment

The Holly Given Fund began as a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Holly Given, a vibrant soul whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence. What started as a gathering of friends to honor Holly's memory has since evolved into the Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament, an annual event that unites over 300 anglers from across the country. This tournament has not only become a cherished tradition but also a powerful force for positive change.

Over the past five years, the Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament has raised more than $215,000 in funds. These funds are not just numbers on paper; they represent real impact, transformation, and hope. They reflect our unwavering commitment to giving back to the Upper Florida Keys community that Holly loved so dearly.

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Turning Tragedy into Opportunity

At the core of our mission lies the conviction that even in the face of tragedy, we can create opportunities that uplift, empower, and inspire. We believe in transforming sorrow into strength, heartache into hope, and loss into lasting legacies. From the proceeds of our annual fundraising event, the Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament, we've been able to contribute to causes close to our hearts.

We've extended our support to the Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys, offered funding to the Coral Shores athletics program through the Upper Keys Foundation, and provided scholarships for career training and education to young adults in the Upper Keys community. These initiatives are a testament to our dedication to making a positive impact.

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Introducing Our Scholarship Recipients

Isis Majeska, a bright and determined individual, received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Stetson University in 2019. She has dedicated the past three years to Coral Shores High School and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in School Counseling. The Holly Given Fund is proud to support Isis in her journey toward achieving her Master's degree.

Caitlin Yong, a passionate educator, graduated from Florida State University in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Music. Today, she is the drama teacher at Coral Shores High School. The Holly Given Fund is excited to support Caitlin as she pursues her Master's degree in Curriculum and Education.

These remarkable young women exemplify the spirit of resilience, ambition, and determination. By supporting them, we not only honor Holly's memory but also invest in promising futures and a brighter tomorrow.

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Thank you, Upper Keys BPW

Thank you to our invaluable partners, the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW), a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower and uplift working women and their families in our Upper Florida Keys community. As a local affiliate of BPW Florida, they've played a pivotal role for over five decades, making a tangible impact on the lives of many. We are grateful for their unwavering support and commitment to our cause, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to create opportunities for our scholarship recipients and empower our community.

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As we look ahead, we are inspired by the change we can create, the lives we can touch, and the legacies we can build. Together, we empower individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and make a lasting impact on our community.

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To learn more about our initiatives, scholarships, and how you can support our mission, please consider sponsoring our next Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament or get in touch with us. Together, we can continue turning tragedy into triumph, one step at a time.

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