Leesfield & Partners Pledges Support to Key West Athletic Programs, food banks and more this holiday season. What to Know.

Leesfield & Partners Pledges Support to Key West Athletic Programs, food banks and more this holiday season. What to Know.

Leesfield & Partners is one of the leading personal injury law firms in the Florida Keys with an office on historic Whitehead Street since the 1980s where it has served clients in landmark cases. Founded and managed by Ira Leesfield, who tried his first case in Monroe County in 1973, the firm has built a legacy rooted in strong community ties and a rich history. Over the years, Mr. Leesfield has forged deep connections in the area – serving clients such as Jimmy Buffet and the late, former NFL player Christopher Dyko – making the firm a trusted name in personal injury litigation. The firm’s Key West office was honored by the Florida Bar Association with its “Historic Building Renovation” award.

In addition to historic and record settlements and verdicts achieved on behalf of injured clients and their families, Leesfield & Partners has also had a positive impact on the community, regularly contributing to charities working to foster change in areas where it is most needed within the county.

Supporting Key West High School’s Girls Softball

The Lady Conchs High School Softball program, the girls’ softball team at Key West High School, has flourished for almost a decade under Coach Jason Garcia’s watch. In that time, the girls secured a record of 109 wins with 48 losses, played in a State Semi-Final and have won two regional championships. Additionally, the team has also won six consecutive District Championships.

Their success, dedication to the game and hard work are more than evident with numerous awards and gleaming trophy wins, however, a lack of funds could get in the way of these girls getting the necessary equipment and paying for travel when needed. As a result, a group of parents and athletic officials with the school banded together to form a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Key West Lady Conchs Softball Booster Club, Inc.

Inspired by the commitment of these young athletes, Mr. Leesfield has pledged support for their 2024-25 season.

“We are privileged to continue long-term support of the this important program,” he said. “It is rewarding to the softball team, the community and to those of us who support them. Many thanks to the Klitenick family and those involved.”

Marques Butler Scholarship

Leesfield & Partners continues to sponsor the Marques Butler Memorial Softball Tournament. The tournament is an annual meet held in Key West, Florida to honor Marques Eugene “Squeeze” Butler who died in 2009. He was just 23.

The tournament is held to provide financial assistance to Key West High School athletes heading off to college who exemplify Butler’s strong moral character and sportsmanship, which he displayed both on and off the field.

Dexter Butler Scholarship

Leesfield & Partners has pledged $5,000 toward a college scholarship for a Key West High School basketball player who lives out the example of helpfulness and community dedication exhibited by beloved teacher and coach, Dexter Butler. Throughout his life, Butler was generous with his time and energy, acting as a role model for his students.

The scholarship was started as a way to keep that legacy alive, Mr. Leesfield said, the Manager and Founding Partner of Leesfield & Partners and a chairperson at The Leesfield Family Foundation.

“I have known the Butler family for my entire 45 years working in Key West,” Mr. Leesfield said. “There is no finer family in the community who has done more for high school athletic programs. Dexter Butler was a true role model.”

Requirements for consideration are as follows:

• Applicants must be a Key West High School basketball player planning to head off to college.
• Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
• Applicants must have completed at least 40 community service hours throughout their high school career.

Anyone wishing to apply may email a typed essay ranging anywhere between 250 to 350 words describing how they live out Dexter Butler’s example of service to others and how they strive to have a positive impact on their community. Submissions should be sent to Sanchez@Leesfield.com.

Key West Food Banks

Leesfield & Partners has contributed annually to food banks such as the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and the Star of the Seas Foundation in a bid to combat food insecurity in Monroe County. Despite being among the top vacation destinations for the wealthy and established, Key West has exhibited a troubling food crisis.

In a report published in 2020 at the height of the pandemic by city officials, it was estimated that well over 500 Key West adolescents did not have enough food when public school is not in session, according to reporting from the Miami Herald.

In August 2024, CBS Miami reported that the SOS Foundation has seen an increase in people that needed their help but a decrease in food supply donations. The cause, officials with the SOS Foundation said, was rising food costs.

“We used to be able to provide people with a full bag of groceries once a week; we just don’t have enough food to do that anymore,” Tom Callahan, the SOS Foundation CEO, told reporters.

Statewide, one in eight adults and one in five children face food insecurity, according to Feeding America.