Fantasy Fest is Key West’s equivalent to the New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. Fantasy Fest week kicks off with the crowning of the King & Queen on October 22nd. Five candidates compete to see who raises the most money for AIDS Help, our local AIDS/HIV support agency. The king candidate and queen candidate with the highest total are crowned.

Christopher Elwell, Candidate for King, was born and raised in the Florida Keys, making Key West his full-time home 5 years ago. Generations of his family have been in the furniture business and Christopher continues that tradition with his parents as our of Royal Furniture & Design. His theme if I love Key West, touching the hearts of all of us on the island. Christopher and his family has been every involved in community activities since their arrival. He is ever willing to help however and whenever he can. He has donated a lot of time, talents and money to many organizations including the Waterfront Playhouse, Sister Season Fund, AIDS Help, and instrumental in the success of the local Realtor’s High School Scholarship Program, giving away 10 $1,000 scholarships this year.

Personally, I have served with Chris on the Key West Board of Realtors where he represents Affiliate Membership to the Association. In addition, we have worked together on a number of charity events. His creativity, wit and charm are disarming and at the same time refreshing. As with all the candidates running for King or Queen, his dedication and caring for the cause are extraordinary. He has many wonderful and creative events so please check them out or donate online at www.chistopherforking.com. He also have some fun items to purchase online. Of course, all proceeds go to AIDS Help and are counted toward his total amount of funds raised. He and Surrey for Queen are hold a joint event on Friday, October 1st in which I am proud to participate. It is Eat with a Queen at La-te-Da at 6pm where former Reigning Fantasy Fest Queens will auction off a dining out opportunity along with gift certificate or prize package.

Ginger King is a Broker Associate at Last Key Realty on Duval Street in Key West and a Mortgage Broker. She has long been involved in helping her island community and to bring the best of “Sharing and Caring” possible to make Key West & the Florida Keys the magical place it is to live.