No community pulls together for a good cause like South Florida. The Dolphins Challenge Cancer event is the largest fundraiser in the NFL and entering its 15th year, but the Dolphins have also been giving back to the community with an annual fundraiser long before that: Fins Weekend.
This year marks the 25th edition of Fins Weekend. It has held many formats over 25 years but the current edition is a throwback to the original Fins Weekend: a fishing tournament and party featuring great food, drinks, music, auctions and more. Lines go in the water on Saturday, June 1, from the Regatta Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove and the day concludes with the party at Regatta Grove on Saturday evening.
The event was born from an idea by Scott Chait, a Dolphins media relations staffer who was stricken by cystic fibrosis. He wanted to create a team fundraiser to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
"Scott Chait was a huge part of the locker room, and an inspiration to me," former Dolphins wide receiver O.J. McDuffie said. "He walked through the locker room with a big smile on his face despite having just gone through treatment. I always thought, 'why am I whining so much when this young man is going through so much and still has a smile on his face?' He loved the water. That's why Fins Weekend is so big. Scott would love how much it's grown."
One of the originators of the event was Jimmy Johnson, who was the Dolphins head coach at the time and was inspired to help Chait. A a two-time Super Bowl champion, Johnson loves fishing and being on the water, a natural tie to South Florida.
Unfortunately, Chait passed away before Johnson and the Dolphins were able to host the first Fins Weekend. But the event has been a huge success, becoming a staple in the South Florida community and helping a variety of local causes over the past 25 years.
Johnson plans to attend this special 25th Fins Weekend along with many other Dolphins players, coaches and alumni.
Like much of the world, Fins Weekend took a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic. The event relaunched in 2023 after a three-year hiatus and enters 2024 with a special 25th anniversary.
Not only is the fishing tournament an exciting competition with great prizes for an outstanding cause but you can also register to have a Dolphins player fish on your boat. Picture running back Raheem Mostert's reflection on his franchise record 18 rushing touchdowns interrupted by a blue marlin taking the bait off the side of your boat.
Angler or not, all fans can come out, meet your favorite Dolphins players and coaches and the South Florida community by purchasing a ticket to the Fins Weekend Night Party on Saturday evening.
The proceeds from this year's Fins Weekend will support the Baptist Health Orthopedic Institute Youth Athletic Outreach Program. This program provides athletic trainers for youth and high school football games throughout South Florida.
You can create these core memories by registering today. Just visit FinsWeekend.com for more information.
