Pictured from left to right: Rick Klyczek Tom McCarthy (Tom Thumb Food Stores), Elmira Leto (Samuel’s House), Isabella Dell’Oca (Lotus House), Jimmy McCarthy (Tom Thumb Food Stores)
Tom Thumb Food Stores’ 4th annual Mahi Mayhem Invitational Fishing Tournament raised $35,000 each to Samuel’s House Inc. and Lotus House — $70,000 in total donations, the largest amount to-date for the event.
After a one-year relocation to Marathon due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, the tournament returned to Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key with a record number of sponsors and participants.
Key West, Fla.-based Samuel’s House is the umbrella agency of two permanent supportive housing units, Kathy’s Hope and Casa de Meredith and Mary Spottswood Women’s Center, Monroe County’s only emergency shelter for homeless women and children.
“Last year, I was taken aback by the outpouring of support, but this is simply wonderful,” said Elmira Leto, Samuel’s House. “Every year, Tom Thumb’s fishing tournament has helped to support so many women and children who are victims of Domestic Violence to get back on their feet and into the world.”
Serving more than 250 guests daily, including 130 children, Miami-based Lotus House provides a sanctuary where some of the most vulnerable in our community can blossom into who they are truly meant to be.
“Unbelievable. The love and support Tom Thumb, the Mahi Mayhem sponsors and participants have shown Lotus House has been absolutely amazing,” said Isabella Dell’Oca, Lotus House. “The monies donated has gone and will continue to help so many in our Miami community.”
Tom Thumb Food Stores operates 14 convenience stores and eight Subway restaurant locations from Fort Lauderdale to Key West. A family-owned business since 1964, Tom Thumb supports a broad range of charitable and community programs in South Florida.
“We could not have imagined such a response by our partners and sponsors,” said Jim and Tom McCarthy, owners of Tom Thumb Food Stores Inc. “This year was the best yet, and we’re excited to keep growing the Mahi Mayhem Invitational so we can further support wonderful organizations such as Samuel’s House and Lotus House. We are truly grateful to the many vendors who continue to support this event and especially to McLane for their continued enduring partnership. The Tom Thumb Mahi Mayhem Invitational fishing tournament is a fantastic experience that truly benefits everyone involved.”
