PARROT HEADS PARTY WITH PURPOSE

Birds of a feather

PHlock Members spotlight the Parrot head club and how they party with a purpose

Story by Dalondo MoultriePhotos Submitted by the parrot heads

Most everyone enjoys having a good time with friends. But one wild bunch in Seguin takes its enjoyment to soaring heights by partying with a purpose.

The Seguin Parrot Head Club hosts parties and raises money for charitable causes in the area, said chapter founding member Toni Winters.

“We have a big party and we call it a Phling — everything with Parrot Head is PH like Phling,” she said. “We have a Phling in August. We have a party with drinks, tropical music, food and a silent auction. This year, we raised $16,000 in one night.

“We give back to local charities in Seguin and New Braunfels.”

Parrot Head Club members are fans of the singer Jimmy Buffett who choose to live out what they say is the performer’s spirit.

According to the Seguin Parrot Head Club’s website, they connect through his music, writings and dedication to community.

The club’s purpose is to promote friendship and organize social activities for fun and charity. Members try to make their communities better places.

To a Parrot Head, the “island is only a song and boat drink away. Whether we are with a group of our phriends or by ourselves, all we have to do is turn on the music, grab our favorite refreshment, lay back and close our eyes and we are there,” the website read.

Parrot Heads in Paradise is a not-for-profit corporation that helps an international network of Parrot Head Clubs across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and Australia, according to the international arm’s website.

In 2020, clubs contributed more than $1.4 million and 101,000 volunteer hours, the website read.

Members make sure to enjoy themselves while doing so much good, Winters said while describing the goal of the club.

“To have fun, enjoy company, play, I hate to say drink, but that’s what they do,” she said. “I’m not a big drinker but they do drink. That’s part of it.

“We call it ‘partying’ instead of ‘drinking.’ We play and party.”

Seguin Parrot Head Club President Kathy Seeger said she helped found the local chapter in November 2009. Currently in her first stint as president, Seeger said her goal is to increase membership and raise more money for local charities while having fun.

To do so, the club hosts monthly happy hours at different locations in Seguin and New Braunfels, Seeger said.

“Four to five Parrot Head members sign up each month to bring raffle prizes to our monthly happy hours,” she said. “We sell raffle tickets and we usually raise around $400 a month.”

The club has donated $160,800 since 2010, Seeger said.

The Seguin Parrot Head Club incorporates New Braunfels residents because, by rule, no two Parrot Head Clubs can be within 25 miles of each other, Winters said. So since Seguin had its club established by the time New Braunfels residents wanted to join in the fun, no New Braunfels club could be established.

The club helps charitable organizations in both cities like Blue Santa, Seguin Youth Services, Animal Rescue Foundation and more.

“I enjoy the camaraderie and the new friendships and the loving environment we all have,” Winters said. “We all love the laidback lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett. … We enjoy being together, having fun and giving back to the community as a community service.”

Parrot Head Clubs welcome all comers at all times, she said. Clubs are made up of very friendly bunches of individuals who form a community of their own to help communities at large.

They party with a purpose to better the environment.

“Parrot Heads are just super friendly people and are always happy to donate to each other and help our charities out,” Winters said. “That fills up my heart, too.”