A year without Fantasy Fest has put the hurt on Keys nonprofits. Some got creative
Fantasy Fest, the annual 10-day party celebrating the silly and the sexy, means more than G-strings and body paint to the people of Key West.
It’s part of the tourist revenue stream that for locals pays the rent and puts food on the table.
“It’s a ridiculous amount of money,” said Nadene Grossman Orr, whose We’ve Got the Keys agency puts on the annual October festival. “It pains me to think about how much money, between hotels and the restaurants. It’s millions and millions of dollars.”
When organizers canceled the event this year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, it also hurt Keys nonprofits.
The annual coronation of king and queen of Fantasy Fest is the largest fundraiser for A.H. Monroe, which helps those living with AIDS and HIV and also provides low-income housing.
People run for either king or queen and whoever raises the most cash wins the crowns.
It averages out to about $130,000 a year — which is what was brought in last year — but the amount has varied. The year Grossman Orr ran and won the queen’s crown, in 2003, the eight candidates brought in more than $426,000.
The money helps A.H. Monroe house low-income residents. The nonprofit is about a month away from finishing Marty’s Place, a 47-unit complex on Bertha Street.
This year, thanks to Grossman Orr and four nonprofit heads, the Keys have Community Wins, a project that includes several fundraisers such as a Labor Day virtual telethon, a fitness challenge, takeout dinner specials and a variety show.
Other events are in the works.
The money will go to four nonprofits that help people with housing: A.H., the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition, Samuel’s House and Sister Season Fund.
“COVID-19 is not only a medical emergency but it’s also an economic emergency,” said Scott Pridgen, executive director of A.H. Monroe. “We’ve seen people who are struggling to pay rent and mortgages. We want to keep people in the Keys.”
The nonprofit decided to rebrand the king and queen contest, and came up with Community Wins.
“The crown goes to the community this year, not just an individual,” Pridgen said.
The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is managing the money raised. So far, the total is close to $30,000 and the goal is $150,000.
“Any amount is appreciated if it goes back into the community,” Pridgen said.
Those in need may contact one of the four nonprofits for housing assistance.
