Key West is known for its great generosity and commitment to looking after one another.  Locals give so much of their time, talents, and dollars.  This Blog is the beginning if a multi part series on this subject. 

The 10th Annual King & Queen of Hearts campaign is underway.  Up to this year, the campaign has raised over $100,000 for local charities.  The two charities to benefit this year are The Sister Season Fund of which I am President and the Xena Fund. 

“Locals Helping Locals” is the motto of Sister Season Fund (SSF) .  This fund was created out of need to help individuals who work in tourist related industries in Key West when they are out of work temporarily due to some illness, accident or other catastrophic occurrence.  Typically these individuals are not high wage earners so have little in the way of savings or liquidable assets and most have no insurance.  The goal is to make sure that these hardworking locals can remain in their residences, without fear of eviction, while they get back on their feet.  Therefore SSF pays rent and utilities to the landlord and service provider.  No money ever goes directly to a recipient and the individuals have to be re-employable.  Since its inception 5 years ago it has provided over $80,000 in assistance. For more information about Sister Season Fund and how you can help, go to www.sisterseason.com  Who doesn’t need a Big Sister in times of trouble?

Teams of two compete for the titles and are not gender or, appropriately enough, species specific, as the Xena Fund is all about helping animals.  Whichever team raises the most money by Coronation Night, February 14th, is crowned King & Queen.  Yes, it is Valentine’s Day because they are King & Queen of Hearts!!!!!

The Xena Fund was founded after Xena, an extraordinary Great Dane belonging to Wynn & Gary needed emergency surgery.  Several Key West residents wanted to start a fund for pets that need emergency care.  Since Xena passed away in 2005, the Fund continues to reimburse Veterinarians for their emergency care for pets.  Applicants who are in need of financial assistance are urged have their vet call the Xena Fund at (305) 294-1019 to request a one-time emergency grant.  For those pet owners who are on a fixed income, the Xena Fund will pay for annual visits to the vet and any preventative medications and annual vaccinations.  For more information about the Xena Fund and how you can make a donation, go to www.xenafund.com 

Both organizations have no office, no staff and all printing, postage & paper are donated.  They are run by volunteer boards that organize and run a series of fundraising efforts throughout the year.  They are both registered 501 (c)(3) tax deductable non-profit organizations.

The teams competing this year are Danny & Paulie and Tony & Jacob.  They have planned a lot of fun events which you can find on the Calendar of Events on the home page.  They have everything from a Dogwash, to Wine Tasting to a Yard Sale. Check them out, attend if you can or make a donation.

Ginger King is a Broker Associate in Schwartz Property Sales 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.  For more information about Ginger, visit www.gingerkingkeywest.com