Sarasota Key Quest Fest aims to provide the keys to well-being

One Check Away Inc. is a relatively new nonprofit in Sarasota's scene, incorporated in 2020. However, its first event, Sarasota Key Quest Fest, brought together about 35 community partners and was operating at full capacity, according to chief administrative officer Darrick Paul. 

He said the event, held June 27 at The Bay's Civic Green, was intended to share resources the community can use when it comes to hurricane preparedness beyond just the storm itself.

"We believe that if you can educate people, equip, and empower, great things will happen," Paul said. "And also, we believe if you feed people and entertain people, they're more likely to retain what you're saying."

The event involved a focus on preparation, protection and prevention, drawing from the organization's divisions of health care, housing stabilization and education.

Amid live music, food trucks and a kids' play area with inflatables, attendees could talk with staff at various stations before receiving a stamp that served as a "key."

Collecting the keys allowed attendees to enter giveaways for items including a generator and an iPad. 

"This is a result of eight, nine months of relationship building with individuals, and I think it's a testament to the traction we're making through strong partners by their presence," Paul said.