As I wrap up my second year as marketing director for the Fish for Holly tournament, I'm filled with both pride and humility at what this remarkable event has become. What started as a heartfelt tribute has grown into the Florida Keys' largest sailfish tournament, all while staying true to its meaningful purpose.
Now in its seventh year, the Islamorada-based tournament has achieved something extraordinary: it's not just about the competition—it's about community, remembrance, and creating positive change. Having known Holly Given personally and been involved since the inaugural tournament, I've witnessed firsthand how her beautiful spirit continues to inspire and unite people.
A Year-Round Mission
Our marketing strategy for the Holly Given Fund and Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament follows a thoughtful yearly rhythm that honors both Holly's memory and the organization's mission. In October, we dedicate our platform to domestic violence prevention and awareness—a cause that lies at the heart of our purpose. As fall transitions into winter, our focus shifts to tournament season, building excitement and engagement within the fishing community.
During spring and summer, we return our attention to the Fund itself, highlighting scholarship opportunities and celebrating recipients. These scholarships, funded by tournament proceeds, represent hope and opportunity for our community's future.
Strategic Digital Presence
Managing the digital presence for the Holly Given Fund requires both technical expertise and deep sensitivity to our mission. Our comprehensive approach includes:
Social Media Management
We carefully curate content that balances awareness, education, and engagement. Each post serves to strengthen our community connections while advancing our core mission of domestic violence prevention and supporting local initiatives.
Website Development
Our website serves as both an informational hub and a platform for change. We maintain fresh, relevant content through regular blog updates, tournament coverage, and educational resources about domestic violence prevention. The site seamlessly integrates time-sensitive social media content while preserving tournament history through photo galleries and results archives.
The Heart of Our Mission
The Holly Given Fund, established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, embodies more than just an organization—it's a living tribute to Holly's legacy. After losing Holly to domestic violence in 2017, her family and friends transformed their grief into purpose by creating this fund and the annual sailfish tournament.
Led by Holly's mother Lucy (Fund Director) and childhood friend Annie (Tournament Director), the organization channels Holly's generous spirit into tangible community impact throughout the upper Florida Keys. Their leadership, combined with overwhelming local support, has created what can only be described as the event of the year in Islamorada and beyond.
Looking Forward
As we plan for the future, I'm excited to continue working alongside Lucy and Annie, supporting their vision through strategic marketing, design, and heartfelt dedication.
You know what makes this different from other marketing projects? It's not just about driving engagement or hitting metrics (though we do that too). It's about keeping Holly's spirit alive, supporting an amazing cause, and watching our community come together in the most beautiful way. Every time I see a young person receive a scholarship or witness the tournament's growth, I think about how Holly would have loved seeing her community come together like this.
Marketing this event has taught me that when purpose meets passion, the impact can be extraordinary. The Fish for Holly Tournament stands as proof that even in the face of tragedy, love, community, and dedication can create something beautiful and lasting.
This post was written by our team, reflecting on our ongoing involvement with the Fish for Holly Tournament and the Holly Given Fund. To learn more about our marketing and web design services for non-profit organizations, please contact us.