In the annals of PHiP history, 2008 will be recorded as an ordinary year around the "ParrotHead Nation" ... if one considers it ordinary to make a substantial difference in our communities, in the environment and in
the lives of our fellow man as we most assuredly left this place a little better than we found it. Along the way, we managed to have a lot of fun, we cavorted with old friends, we made new friends and, sadly, we
bid farewell to far too many beloved friends.

In what has become the norm, the "ParrotHead Nation" continued to grow and prosper as we added a total of sixteen new chapters to our ranks. What began with the Atlanta Parrot Head Club 20 years ago has grown exponentially as we ended 2008 with an all-time high of 237 chapters in the United States, Canada and Australia ... 3 different countries, 47
states, 3 Canadian provinces and one U.S. Territory. Our total membership showed an increase with more than 26,000 dedicated, fun-loving Parrot Heads amongst the ranks. Again, it's apparent that the"ParrotHead Nation" is not only alive and well, but continues to thrive.

Now, for the big news ... Even in the face of an economic downturn, Parrot Head Clubs collectively raised for and/or donated approximately $3.1 million to charitable organizations in 2008. Equally significant,
Parrot Heads carried on the tradition of volunteerism as 2008 saw chapters worldwide donate an estimated 175,000 man-hours to philanthropic and environmental activities. The upshot: In the period
2002 - 2008, Parrot Head Clubs have collectively contributed more than $16.4 million and more than 2.3 million man-hours to aid our communities, our environment and our fellow man!

The PHiP commitment to education was bolstered on two fronts as we were recognized by the Jimmy Buffett's alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, for our continued and generous endowment of the Mary
Loraine "Peets" Buffett Memorial Scholarship awarded annually by the USM Alumni Association. And, after years on the drawing board, PHiP announced the establishment of the Parrot Head Scholarship to be awarded annually, commencing in the fall of 2009.

In 2008, PHiP retained its National Status with both the American Cancer Society- Relay For Life campaign and the Alzheimer Association Memory Walk program and Parrot Heads continue to be the single largest
supporter of the Zonta Club of Key West with contributions made during Meeting of the Minds. For many of our chapters, Special Olympics is a favored cause while many Clubs prepare & serve a monthly meal to their
local Ronald McDonald Houses.
 
And, there's more to the story! These numbers, while spectacular, do not include those efforts which are not measured by dollars or man-hours and Parrot Heads never cease to amaze in their creativity:

Parrot Heads Collect Things ... canned goods, pet supplies, clothing, pop tops, old cell phones, used ink cartridges, and, of course, toys; all distributed to the appropriate agencies that get the goods to where
they do the most good. OH, and let's not forget the trash ... Virtually every Club works diligently to keep our nation's beaches, lakes, and highways clean with regular trash collection sessions.

Parrot Heads Compete ... Many chapters sponsor Bowling tournaments, Volleyball tournaments, Golf tournaments and even a Cornhole tournament. Chili cook-offs are also a favorite fundraiser for a number of Clubs.

Parrot Heads March ... Most all Parrot Head Clubs build and enter a float in their local community parades, be it Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, St. Patrick's Day ... You name it; if there's a local parade, Parrot Heads will be prancing and no less than two dozen chapters won awards in 2008 for Best of Show, Best Float, etc.

From Poker Runs & Pub Crawls to the dreaded Polar Plunge, the picture is clear ... the good deeds that Parrot Heads perform for the benefit of the community, the environment and our fellow man often cannot be measured in quantitative terms, yet are so vital to the recipients and should be a constant source of satisfaction to each of us.

So, to each and every one of you, a heartfelt THANK YOU for a job well done! You truly are "Angels In Tropical Shirts" and you should be very proud of yourselves and your accomplishments.

Spring is here, summer is nigh and the concert season is upon us ... Time to do what we do best: Have fun and "Party With A Purpose!"

Till next time, may all your dreams be tropical!

Bob Heffelfinger
Director of Membership
Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc.