ISLAMORADA -- Legendary Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow will appear at Island Christian School next week for what Coral Shores football Coach Ed Holly describes as a "dynamic Christian retreat for teenagers."

"It's going to be awesome," Holly said.

The event, which is being put on by the newly-created "It's About Change Foundation," takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 10, on the ICS athletic field. But Tebow, who last year was the backup quarterback for the New York Jets, won't be throwing a pass.

Rather, he'll be preaching the gospel and mingling with the crowd. Another speaker at the event will be 1996 Heisman trophy-winning Florida Gator quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who runs the non-profit Desire Street Ministries in New Orleans.

The Christian music acts Britt Nicole and for King and Country also will perform.

The event germinated last spring, when Islamorada resident Cheryl Meads, famous for being the recipient of what is believed to be the largest federal whistleblower award in United States history, successfully bid $100,000 along with husband Michael in a live auction to spend a day with Tebow. Funds from the auction went to Tebow's faith-based charitable foundation.

The event is restricted to 14- to 18-year-olds. A total of 1,000 tickets will be distributed free of charge. They can be picked up at Coral Shores and ICS.

"It is trying to give our teenagers in the community an opportunity to say, 'Hey, it's cool to be a Christian and I'm excited about my faith," Holly said.

rsilk@keysnews.com