Hawks Cay Resort, an iconic resort destination in the Florida Keys, today donated 100 room nights worth more than $45,000 to Miami’s Jackson Health Foundation, as part of the organization’s “Season of Gratitude” initiative to thank health care workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation was made as part of the resort’s annual Heroes Salute program, which honors military, firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and medical personnel throughout the fall season with discounts, special programming, and weekly tribute events.

The donation took place earlier today at the Jackson Memorial Medical Center campus. Fifty employees including nurses, respiratory therapists and laboratory technicians, selected from across Jackson Health System, were invited to the event for what they expected to be a training session, but were surprised with a celebratory event and given gift boxes that were simultaneously opened to reveal several gifts and a two-night stay at Hawks Cay Resort.

“It takes a special person to be able to do what these health care workers have been doing for the last eight months. It takes integrity and commitment to show up every day with a positive attitude to fight this pandemic,” said Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resort vice president managing director. “Our team at Hawks Cay is ready to welcome these heroes so they can recharge and finally take a hard-earned break with their loved ones.”

Every year from mid-August to mid-December, Hawks Cay Resort hosts its Heroes Salute program where heroes of all kinds visit the resort for some rest and relaxation with family and friends. In its 12th season, the program has become well-known for doing more for heroes than just offering a discount. Hawks Cay Resort is dedicated to honoring this community of heroes and in the past has contributed to making special memories including gifting a $30,000 destination wedding to a military couple. This year, the resort wanted to bring much-earned attention to the work of healthcare heroes and selected Jackson Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Jackson Health System, the nation’s largest and most respected public healthcare network.

“For the past eight months, our frontline healthcare workers have been working tirelessly to save and treat patients battling COVID-19. Many of them have not been able to take any time off and spend quality time with their families,” said Carlos A. Migoya, president and CEO of Jackson Health System. “Thanks to these generous donations from Hawks Cay Resort, these healthcare workers will be able to spend some much-deserved rest and relaxation at this beautiful resort.”

For more information about Hawks Cay Resort’s Heroes Salute, please visit www.hawkscayheroes.com.