Margaritaville Beach House Key West Honors Jimmy Buffett Day by Delivering Shadow Buddies to Local Children

Resort Team Brings Specially Designed Companion Dolls to Children Facing Medical Challenges Across the Lower Keys

In honor of Jimmy Buffett Day on September 4 and Margaritaville’s annual Day of Service, the team at Margaritaville Beach House Key West partnered with Shadow Buddies Foundation to deliver Shadow Buddy dolls to children facing medical challenges throughout the Lower Keys.

Unlike traditional dolls, Shadow Buddies are designed to reflect more than 40 medical conditions and treatments, giving children a companion who can share some of the same physical characteristics and medical experiences they do. The handcrafted dolls are intended to help children better understand their condition, express their feelings and, most importantly, feel less alone.

“Seeing these children meet their Buddies made this much more than a volunteer day for our team,” said Alin Bodea, General Manager of Margaritaville Beach House Key West. “Each Buddy has a special purpose: to help a child see that someone understands what they're going through. We were grateful for the opportunity to help bring that sense of comfort and connection to children right here in our community.”

The Key West initiative was part of the Shadow Buddies’ broader mission to provide emotional support, education and companionship to children experiencing illness, disabilities and medical treatments. Approximately 40,000 Shadow Buddies are distributed to children around the world each year.

“Our mission has always been to remind children that they are never alone in their journey,” said Marty Postlethwait, Founder and Executive Director of Shadow Buddies Foundation. “We're grateful to partner with community-minded organizations like Margaritaville Beach House Key West, whose support helps us place Buddies into the hands of children who need them and share the hope and encouragement each one represents.”

All Margaritaville communities, properties, resorts, restaurants, destinations, hotels, and cruises conducted an annual brand-wide Day of Service on Jimmy Buffett Day, September 4, and this past Labor Day Weekend. This initiative is to honor Jimmy’s legacy and the way he lived his life in support of others and the community by supporting important organizations around the world.

To learn more about the Shadow Buddies Foundation or support its mission, visit ShadowBuddies.org. To learn more about Margaritaville Beach House Key West, visit MargaritavilleBeachHouseKeyWest.com.