Surrey and her cousin came to Key West 8 years ago on vacation from Long Island and never left! “One of my favorite things about this island is the kind and intimate community,” states Surrey. Since her arrival she has worked at a number of local businesses including the Key West Botanical Garden and the 801 Bourbon Bar. Two years ago, her father, aunt and grandfather (Franco) moved to Key West and opened Franco’s Hero & Deli at 1219 Duval Street. Surrey now works alongside her family and her partner, Tammi.

Since childhood, charity work has been an integral part of her life. Locally, she has been involved with The Xena Fund, Sister Season and AIDS Help Inc. She ran for Fantasy Fest Queen in 2008, helping to raise much needed funds for AIDS Help was Queen of Hearts 2009, raising money for Xena and Sister Season Funds. She decided to run for Queen of Fantasy Fest again this year because “AIDS Help Inc is an organization that I truly believe in.”

Personally, I know Surrey to be smart and energetic; tireless and unselfish in her support our community. Having run 3 times for Queen of Fantasy Fest myself, I admire anyone who runs and even more so for running again. She set the tone two years ago for demonstrating what team work is all about by jointly hosting events with others candidates; something she has fostered again this year.  It reminds us all what the purpose is behind thezse campaigns - helping our brothers and sisters in the Keys who suffer from HIV/AIDS. To find out more about the remarkable Surrey and to donate to her campaign, go to www.surreyforqueen.com.

Surrey’s last event is Wednesday Oct 20 , 5-8pm “Name That Tune w/ Bobby Nesbitt!” at Aqua 711 Duval St. The old classic game w/ Bobby on Piano. Donate to play. Win Prizes!!  But don’t worry, you can still vote Coronation Night at the Southernmost Beach Cafe starting at 6pm. Votes are $5.00 per and you can vote as much and as often as you like until the announce the voting is closed. I hope to see you there.

Thanks to all the candidates:  Surrey, Anne and Elaine for Queen; Christopher and Sunshine for King. You are already WINNERS for all that you have done to raise money and to educate our community on behalf of AIDS Help!!!!!!!

Ginger King is a Broker Associate and a Short Sale Forclosure Specialist at Last Key Realty located at 1221 Duval Street in Key West.  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