DUNEDIN, Fla. - If you noticed a group of particularly tall individuals towering over the rest in Dunedin this past week, you likely encountered members of Tall Club International, who were in town for their annual convention.

"We are family," said Bob Huggett, a long-standing member of Tall Club International. "This is a big family reunion every year for us." Huggett, who stands at an impressive 6’7", even met his wife through the club. "She used to be 5’11", so she has dropped down a little bit," he joked, highlighting the lighthearted camaraderie within the group.

Around 100 members from the United States, Canada, and Wales gathered in Dunedin for the event, which lasted until Sunday. The convention provided a unique opportunity for tall individuals to connect, share experiences, and enjoy a sense of belonging.

"People are always staring at me, and I feel like when I'm with my gang here, people aren’t staring at me anymore," said Ellen Bayer, who at 6’10" is the tallest woman in the group. "They're staring at them instead."

Tall Club International has a rich history dating back to 1938 when it began as the California Tip Toppers in Los Angeles. "A woman named Kae Sumner Einfeldt, who was an animator for Walt Disney working on ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarves,’ thought, ‘there ought to be a club for us, for the tall people,’" Huggett explained. "So, she put an ad in the paper and gathered a group of people together."

Today, the organization boasts 33 clubs. To qualify, women must be at least 5’10" and men must be at least 6’2". This height requirement ensures that members can relate to the unique experiences and challenges faced by taller individuals.

During their stay in Dunedin, the group enjoyed a variety of activities. They went on a sunset cruise, attended a Dunedin Blue Jays baseball game, and participated in the Hometown USA parade, where Miss Tall International, Shelley Sage, made a notable appearance.

"There's a lot of great things about being tall, and there's a few problems here or there, especially when you're a young woman," said Sage. "My parents didn't get it, and when I came into this space, everybody got it. It was like finding a whole huge sisterhood of people who understood."

Tall Club International is continually looking to expand its membership. "We would love to attract more young people into our organization to keep it going," Sage emphasized. "We've been doing this for about 80 years now. It's a beautiful thing. It's a lovely thing. We need more people to bring their new ideas and grow it into something new."

In addition to fostering a sense of community, Tall Club International offers a college scholarship program for tall teens and raises funds for the Marfan Foundation, which supports individuals affected by Marfan Syndrome. This genetic disorder impacts connective tissue, often resulting in greater height and associated health challenges.

The convention serves as both a social gathering and an advocacy platform, where members can share strategies for navigating a world not always designed for taller people. From finding clothes and shoes that fit to dealing with the inevitable questions about height, members offer each other practical advice and emotional support.

"This club is more than just a social group; it's a support network," Huggett said. "We understand each other's challenges and celebrate our unique perspectives."

Throughout the week, the members of Tall Club International enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of Dunedin, with local businesses and residents accommodating their unique needs. The convention not only provided a fun and engaging experience for members but also brought attention to the specific considerations required for taller individuals.

As the convention drew to a close, members reflected on the connections made and the collective efforts to advocate for their community. The event reinforced the importance of inclusivity and the value of having a dedicated space where tall individuals can feel seen, understood, and celebrated.

Looking ahead, Tall Club International remains committed to its mission of building community, providing support, and advocating for the unique needs of tall individuals worldwide. With continued efforts to attract new members and expand their reach, the organization hopes to grow and evolve, ensuring that the legacy of camaraderie and support continues for future generations.