When our 7th anniversary was approaching we could think of no better way to celebrate than to honor our friend Julian Keen with a fund-raiser to benefit the Julian Keen Memorial Scholarship set up in his memory.

We started off with a goal of $10,000. This is how this played out:

Our first auction to kick of fundraising was started Aug. 4 with 60 of Vicki’s Peanut butter balls in a glass jar. The winner of this Auction was Camp Kindness with a bid of $500, when she came to collect she handed us a check for $1,000.

Our second Auction was a collection of #belikejulian items and was won with a high bid of $500 by Hasan Hijaz.

Our third Auction was a 24X36 composition canvas print in a custom hand made frame donated by Richard Reynolds. This auction ended Aug. 22 and the winner was Laura Davis Hayes at $575.

Our forth auction is going now with a 50” wing span Wood Eagle hand made and donated by AJ Hahn and at time of this writing is at $500. This Auction will end Wednesday Aug. 26.

Our last auction to finish up this fundraiser is a 24” x 36” black and white metal framed print by Bob Holland that will begin Thursday Aug. 27 and end Sat. Aug. 29 at 5P p.m. You can bid on Two Peas Cafe’s Facebook page or in person at the cafe.

Mike and Lori Cox donated a Yeti Cooler: Gabriel Puente was the winner.

Everglades Equipment Sales donated a Green Mountain Pellet Smoker: The winning ticket name was Rudy T.

Donna Nau made a beautiful Red white and blue afghan and the winning ticket name was Ted.

Julian’s football team mates hand made a replica of the bench they had already made and is at Julian’s grave site in Immokalee for a silent auction. The winning bid of $1,100 was made by Chris Loreto and he plans to donate it to be displayed locally.

A group of #belikejulian friends wrapped around Debbie and I to make this event happen. There are far too many of them to mention by name. They cut cabbage in the rain after working all day, cut it up and cooked the next day in the rain. They smoked pork all night the night before and set up and served the entire day of the event. We are so thankful for each of them.

The LaBelle Fire Dept., Felda Fire Dept, D.A.R.E , EMT were all there as well as the FWC who made sure Julian’s truck was on site.

Marroquin’s Party supply donated the use of a large tent and Phillips A/C provided two large fans so our Sheriff Steve Whidden and his Posse would have shade and air while performing the entire time. What a show they put on!! It was amazing.

Christian radio station WAY-FM and personality Zack Wilson were there and opened our event in prayer. We had over 70 gift baskets donated for raffle by businesses and friends, Abby Gonzalez and family were hard at work all day long serving lemonade. Sweet Cheeks Face painting were steady busy five hours straight! Lisa Rothenhoefer of The Rothenhoefer Family Daycare provided a Batman themed children’s area. Dr. Rob Watkins DC entertained the kids and adults alike by making animals out of balloons. Boars Head provided, cooked and served hot dogs, Two Peas Cafe provided and served a ton of desserts and Julian’s favorite meal The Julian Pickle Club. Mona and Patrick were there selling #belikejulian hats, shirts and other items.

Daniel George was the winner of the 50/50 that was $960. He said “give it back to the cause”. Amazing!!

Southland Site Developers contacted Lacee Barnes and requested one of her amazing Tumblers with Julian’s image and 1 of Two Peas Cafe’s Key lime pies in exchange for $1,000. How cool is that!!

The Lane Construction Corporation has mailed a check to SW FL Heroes Foundation on behalf of Two Peas Cafe fundraiser.
So far this little fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 has raised $21,491!!

We still have two auctions to go. We cannot express the joy and gratitude in our hearts for each and every person that made this happen and contributed in any way. It takes many people and much work to pull off something like this. If I missed anyone I am truly sorry, there were so many… There is no place like LaBelle.

Debbie, Vicki & Our awesome staff
Two Peas Cafe