AIDS Help is proud to announce that the 2009 Royal Coronation Ball will be held at La Te Da, 1125 Duval Street, on Friday, October 23rd.  This is the 20th year for this annual event, which supports the work of AIDS Help.  “This is THE party of the year and one of AIDS Help’s most important fundraising events.  The candidates work so hard for so many weeks and it’s such a great way to wrap up their campaigns.  We can’t thank them enough.”   Five dollars gets you a vote as well as admission.  Vote sellers will encourage you to VOTE OFTEN!

This year’s candidates Vicki Gordon, Stacy Stahl, Ralph Garcia and Mark Blackburn and Mark Patterson, known as the Mar”keys”, have been raising money for AIDS Help during the last two months in hopes of being crowned King or Queen of Fantasy Fest.  In the end, whoever raises the most money will be crowned King and Queen of Fantasy Fest 2009.  

They will be privileged to wear the Royal Rings designed by Jeff Woessner of Jeff’s Gems; the Royal Capes created by Frank Cicalese and Bob Conti; the Royal Crowns designed by Jay and Carmenza Pfahl of Neptune Designs; the Royal Scepters donated by The Bitch Sisters and LA Meyers (the Royals of 2000); the Royal Bouquets designed by Richard Dennison of Gourmet Nibbles and Baskets; the Royal Pins donated by 2002 King Bill Heller and Queen Leigha Fox; the Royal Sashes donated by Jean Claude Gosselin and Ginger King (the 2004 King and Queen) and the Royal Chalices donated by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center.  JT Thompson of Solares Hill Design Group will once again present the Duke and Duchess awards to the Royal Family.

Additionally, reserved seating is available for $25, which includes one vote.

There will be cash bars and food for purchase for those who want to partake while among the throngs.

Priority seating is available for $50 per person, which includes reserved seating with a deluxe gourmet hors d’oeuvres platter.  The price includes one vote.

Reservations are required
for reserved seating
and are being taken by Pam DeMala
of AIDS Help at 296-6196.

The always popular performance featuring the King and Queen candidates and many of Key West’s most talented entertainers starts at 7:00 p.m.  LA Meyers is producing the show.  Voting ends promptly at 8:00 p.m. so get there early to VOTE OFTEN for your favorite candidate.

So get out and join us at La Te Da for this evening to remember while supporting AIDS Help.

The SMART Ride completes another journey of 165 miles.
A total of $594,725.00 was Raised!

On Friday morning, November 14th, before the sun came up over 600 participants of this years SMART Ride started their personal two day journey south to Key West. CBS and ABC covered the opening ceremonies and ride out and was the lead story that morning and evening on the news! Helicopters whirled overhead with TV Cameras.

The riders traveled SAFELY from Miami to Key West and were supported by our Medical team and crew of over 200 caring, compassionate individuals.

On Saturday, after a parade down Duval Street the ride ended with a special appearance by Leslie Jordan who welcomed the "riderless cycle". Later as the sun blared over head the announcement of record breaking participation and a 45% increase in fund raising dollars. The promise once again kept of returning 100% of all money raised to the six benefiting agencies was made.

All Pledges received during the ride will appear in personal accounts withn the next two weeks (we took in over $70,0000 on registration day alone), it's going to take us a bit to get all those donors input.

For now the riders and crew need to bask in their success and KNOW deep in their hearts they made a REAL difference and make a real difference everyday by who they are and what they do for humanity.

Much Love and Respect,

The SMART Ride.

For more information on The SMART Ride, please visit www.thesmartride.org.