History

The Emerald Isle Parrot Head Club (EIPHC) is a non-profit organization founded in August 2002 by Mike & Pat Haut and Bonnie Forkey growing to 39 members by the end of the first year. Current membership is at 380 and growing!

Our purpose is to assist in community and environmental concerns and provide a variety of social activities for people who enjoy the music of Jimmy Buffett and the tropical lifestyle he personified.

EIPHC is a proud member of the Parrot Heads in Paradise Inc. (PHIP), a national organization recognized by Jimmy Buffett.  Since 1989, Parrot Head clubs have been helping their communities with the motto in mind to “Party with a Purpose”.  This statement is more than just a motto, local clubs like the EIPHC, believe it and live it.

Our Community Impact

In 2024 the EIPHC raised over $45,000 in support of local charities and non profit organizations, and have contributed numerous Parrot Head hours to improve our communities.

Organizations Supported in 2024:

• American Heart Association
• Back Pack Kids
• Carteret Community Theatre
• Emerald Isle 4 Vets
• Fishin’ for A Cure
• Hurricane Helene Relief in Western NC
• Make-A-Wish of Eastern NC
• NC Native Plant Society, Central Coastal Plain Chapter 
• Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter (OWLS)
• One Place Child Advocacy Center
• Semper Fi & America’s Fund
• Student Lunch Debt Fund, Carteret County Public School Foundation 
• Sturgeon City

Activities

The club hosts “PHlockings” on the first Friday of every month at the Emerald Club. Our very own Matt Morel graciously serves up cold beverages, free food, and provides live music. There are PHun games and a 50/50 cash raffle with proceeds going to the charity of the month. It’s an awesome party where you will meet a great group of PHolks!

In addition to monthly PHlockings, the EIPHC organizes 3 annual community wide public fundraising events:

• Feeding Frenzy Music Fest (Last Saturday in April)

An afternoon of live Trop Rock featuring award winning bands from across the nation. Join us for great music, food trucks, and PHun!

• Beach Bike Poker Run (3rd Saturday in May)

Bike riders (or walkers) dress up in tropical attire and visit bar stops to build their poker hand. Prizes for the top 3 hands, costumes, and decorated bikes.

• Island Santa Bar Crawl (1st Saturday in December)

Parrot Heads and PHriends visit designated stops dressed as Santas, Elves or other Christmas themed outfits while playing a game or solving a puzzle with prizes for the winners and the best attire.

Become A Parrot Head and Join the PHun!

Club dues are only $10 per year ~ lower than any other Parrot Head club.

We use the dues to support fund-raising projects in our community by cushioning our operating expenses (IT costs, storage, etc.) during the year.

• Got great ideas for a PHlocking or fund raising project?
• Have an interest or skill that could benefit a committee such as Membership or Technology? Or the Board of Directors?
• Know of a great local non-profit we could support?
• Would love to lend a hand at any of our annual fundraising events?
• Want to Party with a Purpose?
• So… what’s stopping you?  Click here to join today!