Key West Florida Helps Serve Those Who Serve For Us

The Wounded Warrior Project has become one of the most notable service organizations for returning soldiers, and Key West is doing its part to help raise money and awareness with an annual softball tournament.

There is no greater way to spend a summer afternoon than getting together with several friends and playing a fun game of softball. When that game also has a chance to help raise money for some of the most important people in society today, it makes for an even greater time. That's exactly what's going to be happening in Key West, Florida on July 19th during the 4th Annual Key West Classic Softball Tournament. Every year, this game has set new records in the amount of money it raises and donates to the Wounded Warrior Project.

"A lot of people only think of Key West as a place for island weddings," said Norman Vogel, owner of the Roof Top Cafe, one of the most popular Key West Restaurants. "We are certainly a great place to get away from it all, but there is a long standing tradition of a military presence here, and this is a perfect way for our island community to celebrate that tradition."

Long before it was a popular spot for island vacations, it was, indeed, military base, being an important installation going back to the Civil War. During some of the lean years when Key West, Florida almost had to declare bankruptcy, the military was the only business that helped keep the island town solvent. Naturally, with such strong ties to the military, raising funds to help those soldiers that have been wounded in combat get a fresh start on life is a no brainer.

It is more than just a day of softball games that serve as fundraisers. All over the island, you can find numerous Key West restaurants and bars doing their part by offering specials and making donations to help fund the Wounded Warrior Project. "It may be a symbol around the world of a big party town," Mr. Vogel continued, "but at the heart of it, Key West is a small town of closely bonded residents who believe in giving back to the community in any way that we can. I guarantee you, when you go out to the 4th Annual Key West Classic Softball Tournament, you will see hundreds of people doing what they can."

For more information about the softball tournament, please visit their website: www.keywestsoftball.com

For more information about Roof Top Cafe, please visit their website: http://www.rooftopcafekeywest.com/

Jack Terry is a travel and lifestyle writer who lived in Key West for several years.