I'm Ellen Varela and I'm Running for
Queen of the Conch Republic

to Support the "Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund"
Kids from Key Largo to Key West need our help


Hey Buckaroos,

It's not too late to donate The Ellen for Queen Campaign is still in full swing !

There's still time to be part of the Big 100 Raffle - Raffle tickets are only $2 each and there's over 100 Chances to win !

Meet Queen Ellen and her posse for the final drawing and Hoe Down* at Buck's Bottle Cap - April 20th at 7PM !

Kick up your heels & do the boot scoot boogie !

All proceeds benefit the Conch Republic Foster Children's Fund !

* Drink Specials & Snacks *






FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2006 ~ KEY WEST, FLORIDA
From the desk of Karen Thurman:

Haven't you always wanted to fool around with Ellen Varela ?

Well, now you can thank me for giving you that opportunity !

Please join Ellen, and me, for a Fun and Foolish Fundraiser to benefit Foster Families of Monroe County through the Ellen for Queen of the Conch Republic Campaign

Doubletree Grand Key Resort
Saturday, April 1st - April Fool's Day - from 5 to 10PM

Live entertainment is being graciously provided by Caffeine Carl & Joe Pepper from 5PM to 7PM and The Bubba System from 7PM to 10PM. We'll even have a dance floor !

Of course we want to fool around with you at the event, but, we also need your kind and generous support to make this event successful, not only for our friend Ellen, but also for the many Florida Keys children and families that will directly benefit from our efforts.

Will you please consider donating silent auction items, raffle prizes, or just a little bit of your time and talent ?

Please feel free to contact me at 304-4912 or Karen_Thurman@Hilton.com or contact Ellen at 304-1317 or evarela@historictours.com

PS - there's lots of other great Ellen for Queen events scheduled.

Thank you so very much -

Karen Thurman
Doubletree Grand Key Resort



Make A Donation

All checks are made payable to Wesley House Family Services memo box should be marked: " CRFCF "

Credit Card donations can also be made directly to Wesley House

Call me to pick up 304-1317 or mail to:

Ellen Varela
C/O 201 Front Street, Suite 212
Key West, FL 33040


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Fundraising Events

  • Fool's Ball ~ Saturday, April 1st 5 to 7Pm       Doubletree Grand Key Resort
      Current Queen of the Conch Republic, Ellen Varela, was joined by Karen Thurman and Sir Peter Anderson at the "Fool's Ball" at the DoubleTree Grand Key Resort. The "Fools" raised over $5000 to benefit CONCH REPUBLIC FOSTER CHILDREN'S FUND!


    The Fool's Ball and Silent Auction were a HUGE success ! With the help of great friends and great donations we raised over $5000. Special thanks to The Bubba System, US Foods, Cheney Brothers, Southern Wine & Spirits and Doubletree Grand Key Resort.

    Think you got lucky last Saturday night, but, can't remember for sure ? Give us a call 304-1317 or 304-4912.

    Prizes are available for pickup at Grand Key Resort, Monday - Friday between 9AM and 5PM. Pls ask for Rebecca or Karen at the hotel front desk and we will be glad to help you.

    If your prize is small, like a gift certificate, we will be happy to drop it in the mail for you. Feel free to send me an email or give us a call and we can make arrangements to take your credit card over the phone for payment. Karen #304-4912

    Checks should be made payable to: Wesley House CRCF and pls note Ellen for


  • Buck's Hoe Down & Drawing of the Big 100 Raffle

    Meet Queen Ellen and all the Buckaroos at Buck's Bottle Cap
    1128 Simonton Street


    Thursday, April 20th
    7:00PM 'til the Cows Come Home

    The Ellen for Queen Big 100 Raffle

    Over 100 Chances to Win

    Raffle tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. Drawing will be April 20th at Buck's Bottle Cap at starting 7:00PM. You do not have to be present to win.

    Prizes include: Yankee Freedom / Fast Cat trip to Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, Gift Certificates to Lu Lu's Kiss, Dairy Queen, Buck's Bottle Cap, Hogs Breath and other great bars & restaurants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, attraction tickets, beach towels, Cruzan Rum, Fantasy Fest Posters

    Tickets on sale today. Call today for raffle info & delivery: 304-1317 or 304-4912

  • Saturday, April 22nd             Green Parrot Bar

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    The Ellen for Queen Silent Auction



    Pre-bidding is now open. Bid by email to mrktkeys@aol.com or bid by phone 305-304-4912. Email bidding will end Saturday, April 1st at Noon. Phone bidding will end Saturday, April 1st at 9PM.

    2 Nights at Islander Resort
  • Includes Bfast for Two
  • Includes Bfast for Two
  • ˝ Party Boat Fishing Trip @ Robbie's
  • Dinner for 2 @ Island Grill
  • Value $525.00
    2 Night at Grand Key Resort
  • Includes bfast for two daily
  • Includes one dinner for two
  • Shuttle Service to Old Town
  • Value $400.00
    2 Night Stay at Key Largo Marriott Value $300.00
    2 Nights Indian River Resort Miami Beach Value $280.00
    2 Night Stay at Hotel Key West Value $300.00
    Commodore Gift Certificate Value $ 40.00
    Duffy's Gift Certificate Value $ 40.00
    Abbondanza Gift Certificate Value $ 40.00
    Pisces Gift Certificate Value $100.00
    Conch Republic Gift Certificate Value $100.00
    La Trattoria Venezia Gift Certificate Value $100.00
    Pool Day at Grand Key Resort
  • Beach Bag
  • 2 logo towels
  • lunch for two
  • two 30 minutes massages
  • two coolies & two drink coupons
  • Value $250.00
    Classic Massage by Healing Hands Value $100.00
    Classic Massage by Healing Hands Value $100.00
    2 Night Stay Hampton Inn Gainesville
    - Includes continental bfast for two daily
    Value $250.00
    2 Nights Hampton Inn Altamonte Springs
    - Includes continental bfast for two daily
    Value $180.00
    2 Nights Hampton Inn Lake Buena Vista
    - Includes continental bfast for two daily
    Value $200.00
    2 Nights Homewood Suites Universal Studios Value$300.00
    Trip for 2 Aboard Discovery Glassbottom Boat Value $80.00
    Walker's Lawn Care Value $ 50.00
    VIP Fury Trip for 2 Value $80.00
    VIP Fury Trip for 2 Value $80.00
    SEE Magazine Ad Value $1500
    Caribbean Street Fair Booth July Value $400
    SBI Membership + the Ride of a Lifetime
    This team currently Ranked 3rd in the World Take a ride on a real Premier Class Super Cat "Pour it On " this November during SBI Race Week
    Value Priceless
    $50 Gift Certificate The Bike Shop Value $50.00
    Two Sunset Cruises Aboard Schooner Western Union Value $138.00
    2 Hand Painted Coconut Postcards
    Conch Republic themed, w/ your greeting Postage included for any US address
    Value $50.00
    One Key Lime Pie from Key Lime N More Value $21.00
    Dion's 21 Piece Box of Chicken Value $20.00
    Fausto's Gift Certificate Value $50.00
    2 Custom Pillows from Seam Shoppe Value $120.00
    Basket Case - Designer Sponge Basket Value$100.00
    3 Hook-N-Tackle Fishing Shirts - size L
    ** vented - spf 50
    Value $150.00
    Yellow Hibiscus Needlepoint Pillow
    * donated by Island Needleworks
    Value $ 70.00
    Mel Fisher Museum Gift Shop
    "Diving into Glory" coffee table book, Ben Harrison's 2 CD pack DuVal Years," 4 passes to Museum
    Value $70.00
    Gift Certificate Land CreationsValue $50.00


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    Big 100 Raffle

    The Ellen for Queen Big 100 Raffle

    Over 100 Chances to Win


    Raffle tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10. Drawing will be April 20th at Buck?s Bottle Cap at 6:00PM. You do not have to be present to win.

    Prizes include: Yankee Freedom / Fast Cat trip to Ft Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, Gift Certificates to Lu Lu's Kiss, Dairy Queen, Buck's Bottle Cap, Hogs Breath and other great bars & restaurants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, attraction tickets, beach towels, Cruzan Rum, Fantasy Fest Posters

    Tickets on sale today. Call today for raffle info & delivery: 304-1317 or 304-4912

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    © 2006 Ellen for Queen of the Conch Republic Campaign
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