Without first-year Speed On The Water Key West Bash auctioneer Michael Hall of Performance Boat Center even taking the stage, the 12th annual event already has ready raised $2,000 for Samuel’s House and AHEC Health Centers Keys, the November 6 evening event’s benefitting nonprofit charities.

On and off the racecourse, Montlick Injury Attorneys is a stalwart supporter of the offshore racing community. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Here’s how it happened: Nikki Montlick, the president of Montlick Injury Attorneys, which sponsors a successful Factory Stock team that claimed second places in its class at the 2024 Key West Worlds with Logan Adan and Giovanni Carpitella in the cockpit, reached out. Montlick offered to display the team’s Doug Wright raceboat outside the Pickle’s Pub Sandbar host venue, but display-space on Greene Street already was full.

Nonetheless, she offered to contribute.

“Helping people is at the heart of everything we do at Montlick,” Nikki Montlick explained. “Supporting the Speed On The Water Key West Charity Bash is a special way for us to give back and continue that mission outside the courtroom.”

Informed of the situation, Fort Myers Offshore president Tim Hill went to work. Hill, who designs automobile dealerships for a living, handles street logistics for the Key West celebration and he found just enough space for the Montlick Injury Attorney’s racing-team apparel trailer. The firm “greatly appreciated the accommodation,” according to Nikki Montlick, and she is making an $1,000 donation to each charity on its behalf.

“We’re truly grateful to be part of something that helps families and brings people together for these two important causes,” she said.

Proceeds from the auction and all other fundraising efforts than evening will be split evenly between the Key West-based Samuel’s House and Keys AHEC Health Centers, “which provides access to no cost medical and low cost dental care for the school age children of Monroe County (Fla.), no matter their financial circumstances.”

Both Samuel’s House and AHEC Health Centers are 501(c)(3) charities. Winning bidders will be required to pay immediately after the bidding on each auction item closes. No exceptions will be made.