A Heartfelt Thank You
Another Backcountry Challenge is in the books, and once again, the Upper Keys community showed what can happen when anglers, businesses, families, volunteers, and supporters come together for local students.
The 26th Annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge, hosted by the Rotary Club of Key Largo, brought together participants for a weekend of fishing and fundraising in support of Take Stock in Children and other local scholarship programs.
From the Captains Meeting at Doc’s Diner to the Sunday evening Awards Banquet, the event was made possible by the generosity of those who gave their time, talent, resources, and financial support.
“This tournament has always been built on community,” says Rotary Club of Key Largo President Shelby Morris. “We are so grateful for everyone who continues to support our students and help make this event possible year after year.”
That support begins with the tournament’s sponsors.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
GRAND CHAMPION
In Memory of Wayne Hanson
SNOOK
Tavernier Creek Marina
Caribee Marina
Florida Keys Electric Cooperative
Keys Life Magazine
REDFISH
Robbies of Islamorada
Island Air Control
MCF Construction
Coral Reef Title
Island Disposal
All Keys Concrete
Baptist Health
Regan Roth Insurance
C&C Wood Fired Eats
American Caribbean
Brian’s Property Maintenance
William VanCampen
Free Press
Keys Weekly
Coastal Angler Magazine
Ugly Fish
TROUT
Wire Nuts Electric
Russo Law & Mediation
Florida Keys Windows
Houston Insurance
The Fish House
Unique Marine
CBT Construction
Dr. Jennifer Loh
Theater of the Sea
Island Construction Mgmt
ANGLER
Aquaphobics
Scott & Alina Huffman
Dr. Michael Simon
Islamorada Brewery & Distillery
The Rotary Club also extends its heartfelt thanks to all level sponsors, along with every donor, participant, and supporter who contributed to the event’s success. Their generosity helps ensure that funds raised through the Backcountry Challenge remain focused on educational opportunities for Upper Keys students.
Take Stock in Children provides more than financial assistance. Students begin the mentorship program as early as seventh grade and commit to maintaining good grades and attendance, demonstrating good behavior, remaining drug- and crime-free, and meeting regularly with a volunteer mentor.
For Rotary members, that long-term investment is what makes the tournament especially meaningful.
The club is also grateful to the many volunteers who made the weekend possible, including Rotary members, Coral Shores High School Interact Club students, Take Stock in Children participants, and community partners.
Whether someone fished, sponsored, donated an auction item, purchased a raffle ticket, attended the banquet, or simply helped spread the word, every contribution played a part.
The Rotary Club of Key Largo thanks the entire Upper Keys community for continuing to cast its support toward brighter futures for local students.
