Bradenton Couple Competes for America’s Favorite Couple Title to Boost Local Nonprofit
BRADENTON, Fla. — A childhood crush that turned into a lifelong love is now capturing national attention as Robert and Misty Ritch compete for the title of America’s Favorite Couple — with their sights set on making a difference for families in need.
The Ritches are currently in Round 4 of the nationwide competition hosted by americasfavcouple.org, and they need to place in the top five of their group by 10 p.m. EST on Thursday, July 31, to advance. If they win, the couple will be awarded $20,000 and a feature in Variety magazine — but for them, the real prize is the opportunity to further their mission through their nonprofit, Big Dreams Through Small Steps.
The organization assists families in Manatee County by connecting them to essential services and implementing initiatives such as AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention, medical equipment distribution, small business training, and local news coverage.
Their love story, partially shared on the contest site, reads like a real-life romance movie. Misty was just 13 when she met 21-year-old Bobby, a summer campground security guard who quickly became her protector and trusted friend. Although life pulled them apart for decades, they reconnected 30 years later — and everything changed.
“Our favorite memory is our second first kiss,” Misty shared. “The first was when I was 18, and it was so intense it scared me. Thirty years later, that same spark was still there. That kiss sealed what had been waiting to happen all those years.”
Now, their rekindled love is driving a bigger purpose. With the $20,000 prize, they plan to reinvest in their nonprofit’s mission, expanding support for local children and families across Manatee County.
How to Vote:
Visit americasfavcouple.org/2025/misty-and-robert to cast your free daily vote and help the Ritches stay in the running. Voting for this round ends Thursday, July 31, at 10 p.m. EST (7 p.m. PST).
Each vote not only supports a love story decades in the making — it also helps strengthen a Bradenton nonprofit committed to creating brighter futures, one small step at a time.
