Fans of Jimmy Buffett awoke the morning of Saturday, Sept. 2, to the startling news of his passing. Aside from his family, band members and his close friends, none were more shocked or saddened then the 22,000-plus members of JB’s official fan club, Parrot Heads in Paradise.
The first Parrot Head Club (PHC) was formed in 1989 by Scott Nickerson in Atlanta, Georgia. There are 200 PHCs in the USA, Canada, Mexico and now Belize.
So, what’s the big deal about PHCs? The reality may surprise many who think PHs are just about tailgating and crazy head gear at concerts. The answer is in the organization’s slogan “Party With A Purpose”.
Scott envisioned harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of those tailgating parties to do good in the community. He approached Margaritaville Key West, then the center of Jimmy’s musical universe and home base of his organization. Jimmy gave his blessing and voila! The first PHC gathering was held on April 1st of 1989.
“I was always raised with “noblesse oblige,” to give back if you’re lucky enough, thanks to my parents,” Jimmy told Billboard Magazine “I was taught not to hate in the segregated South. And I was taught to give back.” Jimmy lived that “to whom much is given, much is expected” philosophy and he continually challenged us to do the same. That combination of having a great time, being a little bit insane and at the same time responsible is powerful. Jimmy has sailed on, but the PH universe continues, stronger than ever, in his honor and memory.
Our local PHC, The 5 O’Clock Phlock, was hatched (chartered) in 2007, but had dwindled to only 18 members in late 2020, thanks in part to a worldwide pandemic.
In 2021 the club regrouped with a focus on PHun, PHellowship, and Philanthropy, a winning combination learned from the combined wealth of knowledge of the many Rotarians who joined the club and continue to service on the board. The club now has 133 members. We “Party” as we host monthly Happy Hours. Music is always central to our gatherings, and not just the music of JB; we are equal opportunity music lovers. We make road trips to the fundraising events of other PHCs, where we fly kites, dance on beaches, float down the Guadalupe, shop, eat and have a libation or two. And, of course, there is always great live music.
We never forget about that “Purpose” part of our slogan though. We do lots of roll-up-our-sleeves community service work. We host an annual “Pink Flamingo Party” for New Danville, collect items for The Community Assistance Center, make craft bags for Texas Children’s Hospital and participate in the annual Bookmark Contest for the MC Dispute Resolution Center. We host a party for SPCA*PETS*SNAP, collect Toys For Tots at our holiday party and support Faith Fighting Cancer. We decorate a tree and wreath for the Friends of The Charles B Stewart Library Silent Auction. We are part of the PHIP National Walk To End Alzheimer’s Team, which commits to $100,000.00 in donations each year. For 2023, we hosted a fundraising and awareness event for Alzheimer’s at Margaritaville Lake Conroe. We ranked #3 of the 42 PHIP teams and were champions of the local Woodlands Walk too.
Just last week, we completed our annual “Attitude of Gratitude Day of Giving” workday at Amore Fine Dining, where we filled 1200 cardboard cores with candy for kids in Mexico. This project began decades ago by local pastors who traveled to the poorest areas of Mexico, and many local churches and service clubs still participate. The project was spearheaded by Rotarian Mike Landes until his retirement this year. After our workday, we stayed for a celebratory dinner together where the wine and laughter flowed. It was great PHun.
On Saturday, Dec. 2, 5 O’Clock Phlock PHC will partner with our friends at The Rotary Club of Lake Conroe and Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe to host our first ever “Pints For A Purpose” Blood Drive in support of The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. The Donor Coach will be in the parking lot of Landshark Bar and Grill from 9-3. There will be music, of course, and a special t-shirts and stocking stuffers for blood donors. Landshark will open early and run a “Parrot Burger” special for only $9.00 for everyone who dines with them during those hours. To make it an even more perfect day to give blood, St. Somewhere Spa, part of the M’Ville Resort, will host a free “Holiday Pamper Party” from 4-6 p.m. with festive treats for all – bubbles (sparkling wine) and cocoa; chair massages, product samples, and raffle prizes and more. How cool is that?
Blood donations take a big dip during the holidays, just when travel and the need for blood increases. We hope you’ll consider Giving the Gift of Life for our drive. Register at www.giveblood.org, using sponsor code 5PHC. Call me if you need help or more info.
In Hawaii, folks sign off with “Aloha”; in Italy its “Ciao”; “Adios” in Mexico. And in the Parrot Head world, we say … Fins Up! Have a joyous and musical holiday season, one and all.
Kris is President of The 5 O’Clock Phlock, the PHC of the Lake Conroe/Woodlands area. Email KrisCommService@aol.com or text 713 825-0141. Follow the club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/5OClockPhlock. For more info, visit the website www.5oclockphlock.com.
