Business Wire - September 7, 2005
Hurricane Katrina sideswiped Key West on August 26th, postponing the kick off for the King and Queen of Fantasy Fest fundraising campaign to benefit AIDS HELP Inc. Power outages and 90 mile an hour winds forced the postponement until Sept 2nd, where candidates began 7 weeks of fundraising events.
"Our hearts go out to the victims of Katrina, and we count ourselves very lucky here in Key West, said Helen "Redd" Smith, candidate for Queen of Fantasy Fest, http://www.reddforqueen.com. The timing for candidate's fundraising efforts could not have been worse. Key West citizens already give more per capita to charity than any other place I know, so finding sponsors is becoming very difficult."
State funding cutbacks prompted AIDS HELP Inc. to come up with a fundraiser centered around the annual Mardi Gras style festivities, traditionally held at the end of October in Key West. Candidates who raise the most funds for AIDS HELP Inc. during the seven week period are elected King and Queen of Fantasy Fest. AIDS HELP Inc., a non profit, community based organization provides case managed health care, housing, food, counseling and support services for HIV infected residents residing in Key West and the Florida Keys.
"There is no FEMA for us to ask for help, said Smith. Katrina victims need every penny, and after the cutbacks, unfortunately so do we. Hopefully we can find some corporate sponsors to help us fill the gaps, and maybe some folks still have a little extra they can give. Thank you to those who have contributed so far."
Those considering making a donation can do so by attending the events in Key West, bidding on Ebay auctions, sending unused cell phones that are recycled for cash, or donate online at http://www.reddforqueen.com
Event updates are available at 305-296-2465.
CONTACT: For AIDS HELP Inc., Key West
Helen "Redd" Smith, 305-296-2465
redd@reddforqueen.com
http://www.reddforqueen.com
050907
BW050901
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