Despite a fall nip in the air, there was warmth in the hearts of everyone who attended the myriad events during the 14th annual Flamingo Weekend to benefit the Jake Owen Foundation, which has raised more than $8 million for charity since being founded in 2010.
Owen, a multiple Platinum Award-winning country musician, has never forgotten his hometown roots in Vero Beach. He returns every year, bringing along some of his celebrity friends, to raise money for local youth organizations and charities. Funds also benefit various national charities, including the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, which treats children battling cancer and other illnesses.
The action-packed weekend began Friday with the Flamingo Golf Classic at Quail Valley Golf Club, where Owen teed off with players, including golf legend John Daly.
During Friday night’s Flamingo Comedy Jam, Sheena Reagan and Jon Reep brought their unique sense of humor to a sold-out audience at Riverside Theatre. On Saturday, joggers and walkers braved the chilly morning for the Flamingo Family Fun 3K Run at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport. That afternoon, fans packed the poolside patio at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel and Spa for the Songwriters’ Acoustic Jam featuring country artists Styles Haury and Wynn Williams.
The pinnacle event was Saturday night’s Flamingo Jam at the Corporate Air Hangar, which had been wonderfully transformed for the concert, complete with linen tablecloths and neon flamingo centerpieces.
“I am so very grateful to come back to my hometown and play a leading role in making sure everyone does what’s best for our community,” said Owen, welcoming the adoring crowd with a heartfelt thank-you.
“We’ve raised over $8 million since we started doing this back in 2010. We’ve helped 61 different beneficiaries and we’re helping over 35 this year.”
Megan McFall, CEO of Indian River County Healthy Start Coalition, spoke of how grateful they are to the Jake Owen Foundation, noting that the women and children they assist have greatly benefited from its support.
Haury and Williams opened the show with some of their original songs, before Scotty Emerick, a VBHS graduate, belted out a few of his favorites. He was then joined by Owen singing “A Pirate Looks at 40,” as a tribute to their late friend Jimmy Buffett, who made a guest appearance at Owen’s 2019 Flamingo Jam.
“Watching my friend Jimmy Buffett come off his plane and over to our stage was one of the highlights of my life,” said Owen.
“Scotty and I had the honor of performing at his tribute concert in L.A. this past year and we were standing on stage with all the greatest musicians of our time. What a humbling experience.”
A live auction featuring experiences with Owen, autographed photos and other enviable items raised $154,000 in a matter of minutes.
“That live auction total just put us over $1 million raised this weekend for the second year in a row,” said Owen with joy.
As special guest Zach Top took the stage, attendees began dancing in the aisles, continuing to do so through the night as Owen entertained his fans, continuously flashing his mega-watt smile and swaying his hips throughout his high-energy performance.
The weekend concluded with a Flamingo Fishing Tournament that began early Sunday morning at Riverside Café.
For more information, visit JakeOwenFoundation.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
