Key West may be the Conch Republic, and a “sovereign state of mind,” but every October, the island becomes a monarchy, crowning a king and queen, dukes and duchesses, all in the name of charity.
For the six weeks preceding the annual Fantasy Fest celebration, a few community-minded residents embark on a fundraising campaign that this year benefits the Florida Keys SPCA.
Following a Royal Kickoff in September, the candidates host an array of events for their own campaigns and also share in the spoils of several all-candidate events that unite the campaigns and the community. Aqua Idol, a local spin on the “American Idol” singing competition, takes place each week at Aqua Nightclub. A randy and raucous Sunday bingo event also benefits all candidates, along with mixers and auctions at familiar island venues.
The candidates who raise the most money will be crowned King and Queen of Fantasy at a Royal Coronation Ball on Oct. 20 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The other committed contestants are named dukes and duchesses and become members of the Royal Court.
Visit fantasyfest.com and fkspca.org to donate to one or all campaigns and to see each candidate’s event schedule.
Let’s meet the candidates:
BEN HENNINGTON
Ben Hennington is no stranger to Key West fundraising.
He is the founder of the Sunset Social Drinking Club (SSDC), Wienerpalooza and co-founder of POSH (Paws Often Steal Hearts), which all champion the welfare and adoption of shelter animals. The SSDC, his hobby, is a charitable organization that gives back as much as possible to the community they are a part of. To date, the group has helped raise over $150,000 for the FKSPCA and over $300,000 in total for other local charities.
When he’s not volunteering for community endeavors and business aspirations, Hennington is typically found in his “office” in the back room of Shots & Giggles working on a project. He is living, not dreaming, his best life.
SHAWN MONTGOMERY
Shawn Montgomery moved to Key West in 1996 and opened a lighting showroom at Truman and White. He immediately became involved in the community and its causes including MARC House, FKSPCA, Red Barn Theatre, Waterfront Playhouse, The Studios of Key West, Sister Season Fund and many others. He now continues his lighting work from home with his husband Michael Stella, as TLC the Lighting-Landscape Company.
VICKY ROWDEN
Vicky Rowden has lived in Key West for 13 years and has participated in many past royal campaigns that benefitted AH Monroe County. She’s a prior winner of an Aqua Idol contest that benefited the Waterfront Playhouse. She was recently awarded the honor of “Mother of the Year” in recognition of her charitable efforts. “I am proud to have raised needed funds for individuals and agencies here in Key West,” she said.
“My two cats, Luna and Gizmo, adopted from the FKSPCA, fully support this campaign effort, and I am happy to be able to focus my fundraising efforts on four-legged friends.”
TANGELA TORRES
Tangela Torres is the owner of Lusain Medical Consulting and spent 20 years as an operating room nurse. She is on the board of Womankind, is a past board member of Zonta Club International and is a member of the Mystick Krewe Key West.
She was raised in Bahama Village and is married to Felix Torres Jr., a retired Navy corpsman. They have one furbaby, “Taz the Cat.”
Torres believes that our furry friends deserve the same love, care and attention as their human counterparts. “The housing crisis has challenged FKSPCA staffing and at times has caused the clinic to cancel much-needed services to the community,” she said. “My prayer is that the funds raised will help with staff retention so our fur babies can continue to receive the care and attention they need and deserve.”
DONALD WELLS
Donald Wells studied equine science before immersing himself in dance and choreography. He was choreographer of the NBA Washington Wizards dance team and director of entertainment and cheerleading for the NFL Washington Commanders. He built a brand that entertained service members on 35 tours across 45 countries before working for the Navy as director of morale, welfare and recreation, where he was committed to enhancing the well-being of those who serve our country and their families.
While working in Djibouti, Africa and Bahrain, Wells volunteered at animal refuges and the Bahrain SPCA. He adopted two kittens from the SPCA in Bahrain, then rescued JAX, a dog abandoned in an apartment building.
Wells moved to Key West in 2021 and embraced the island’s vibrant community. Upon learning that the Florida Keys SPCA would be the beneficiary of the royal campaign, he readily signed on to contribute to a cause he holds dear.
