The Upper Keys Association of Dive and Snorkel Operators has decided to donate monies raised from the successful Island Sun SplashT events to two organizations in the Upper Keys.

The group announced that a total of $8,000 will be split equally between the Mike R. Smith Memorial Fund and Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo.

"This is our way of giving back to our Community" said outgoing Chairman Gary Mace.

Mike Smith died October 5 in a free-diving accident and left behind his wife and their unborn child, due in March 2008.

Smith earned his associate's degree in marine technology at Cape Fear Community College, UKADSO said in a statement.

He was a captain working on a research ship in Louisiana and through this relationship he moved to Key Largo seven years ago to work with the National Underwater Research Center. He received his emergency medical technician certification from Florida Keys Community College and was studying to get an associates degree in emergency medicine at Miami-Dade College.

Smith was a hyperbaric technician at Mariners Hospital, a Professional Association of Divers instructor, a Scuba Schools International instructor, a local captain and scuba instructor with Quiescence Diving Services, and a member of the Key Largo Volunteer Fire Department's Water Emergency Team.

"Mike was a very big part of this community in trying to take care of each and every one of us through his activities, and the Board of Directors felt his memorial fund and family were most deserving," a spokesman for the group said.

Island Dolphin Care is a nonprofit organization that provides dolphin-assisted therapy to children with critical illnesses, disabilities and special needs from all over the world.

"Island Dolphin Care believes that every child, no matter what condition, deserves the opportunity to play, giggle and have fun," the association spokesman said. "With the help of 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and the help of a very-well trained staff those beliefs are brought to reality at no cost to the children and families.

To date Island Dolphin Care has provided services to over 425 children and is supported entirely through the support of generous organizations and many caring individuals. Upper Keys Association of Dive and Snorkel Operators is proud to join that list of supporters.

More information is available on the Mike R. Smith Memorial Fund from First State Bank at (305)-852-2070. For information on Island Dolphin Care see http://islanddolphincare.org or call (305)451-5884.

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