'Flocked' fundraiser benefits cancer research

Skye Hudson learned two things in her quest to become Teen Miss Northwest Florida.

She learned that raising money for a charity makes a person feel great and filling yards with pink flamingos sometimes angers cops.

The reigning Teen Miss Gulf County spent three weeks in October raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through an unorthodox method.

She ventured out past dark with 30 pink flamingos and decorated the yards of unsuspecting homeowners in Mexico Beach, Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka.

A version of the nationally-known lawn attack called "You've Been Flocked," the fundraiser asks "flocked" homeowners to contribute $10 for flamingo removal.

Homeowners then picked Hudson's next victim, while benefitting cancer research in the process.

Hudson chose the flamingo method because Florida's favorite bird is pink – just like the official color of breast cancer awareness.

Hudson called the fundraiser "Fight Like a Girl – Breast Cancer Campaign," and raised $850 in the weeks leading up to the Teen Miss Northwest Florida pageant, which encourages service projects.

Hers was not always an easy task. Hudson, accompanied by a friend, would sometimes wait until after 11 p.m. for homeowners to shut out the lights before breaking out the flamingos.

"You tried to make as little noise as you could, and it was difficult," said Hudson.

Once, while adorning the front lawn of the Fish House restaurant, Hudson was caught by a police officer who asked what exactly she was doing.

For the most part, flockees offered support and encouragement, frequently donating upwards of $20.

One homeowner asked Hudson to flock the homes of two different friends, providing a big donation for her trouble.

"People were very generous with their money," said Hudson, who grew accustomed to her late night rendezvous.

"I had a lot of fun doing it," said Hudson. "When it was over, it was weird going home and getting to bed at a decent time after three weeks doing that."

Sadly, the flu forced Hudson to sit out the Teen Miss Northwest Florida pageant in November.

But there are always other pageants, and other ways to support worthy charities, though next time, Hudson may leave the flamingos at home.

"I've got to figure something else out," she said. "I'm about flamingoed out for the next few years."

Free Flamingos

Anyone interested in a nice, fresh pink flamingo for their front yard, or wherever, may contact Kat Hudson at 227-6972. Hudson purchased 30 flamingos for her daughter's "Fight Like a Girl" fundraiser and hopes to find them happy homes.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

By Skye Hudson

NWFL Teen Miss Gulf County 2009, Teen Miss Florida Palm Bay County 2010

"Fight Like a Girl" Flamingo Flocking for the Susan G. Komen Breast Campaign was a HUGE success. I was able to collect $850 with the help of my community and want everyone to know how much I appreciate each and every person who helped me.

Several businesses and people have helped me throughout the year and I just want everyone to know how special they are and with YOU supporting them, then they, in turn, are able to help out the community with projects like mine.

Jack Mullen

Lynn Marshall

Gulf County Chamber (Ms. Kathy)

Debbie Wright (Century 21)

Killer Seafood (Kevin, Kim and Michael)

Wewa Medical Center (Tina Pate)

Regan's Pub & Oyster Bar (Regan and Tammy)

The Fish House (Ms. Carole)

Dr. David Lister DDS

5 Star Paint and Collision Center

Prickley Pear (Mike and Arlene.. they fed me.... ALOT)

Special Thanks to my friends Ben Bolyne and Chad Clark (they helped me run around late at night flocking yards)
and to my parents Shawn and Kat Hudson

The people of Mexico Beach, St Joe Beach, Wewa and Port St Joe are special and although I didn't grow up here, most have been so friendly and giving that it easy for me to join in community projects and help out.