On Wednesday evening, April 26, 40 ticket holders will experience a four-course culinary adventure at La te da, 1125 Duval Street, impeccably served with select wine pairings and followed by a one-man all-live female impersonation show extravaganza presented by Tracey Towers (aka Trey Forsyth) who will perform hits made famous by artists such as Shirley Bassy, Adele, Amy Winehouse, Miley Cyrus and Hedwig. Ticket proceeds from the dinner, after-dinner entertainment and a fabulous silent auction will all benefit a fund to purchase and donate new equipment for the Key West Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit horses.

Why a fundraiser for the horses? “The Key West City budget provides for the stable at the Truman Waterfront, feed, hay, and basic equipment, but it’s public fundraising that supports emergency veterinarian expenses, certain specialty tack and equipment, out of budget items and even the possibility of obtaining new horses,” explained local businesswoman Jane Gardner, who kicked off fundraising efforts for the Unit in November and is co-host of the April 26 event.

Christopher Rounds, proprietor of La te da (and current reigning Fantasy Fest King) is the evening’s benefactor and co-host. A life-long equine fan, Rounds grew up on a horse farm in upstate New York and spent years in the world of riding competitions and events, before landing on an island where horses are more rare than sunken shipwreck treasures. “When Jane told me about her fundraising work for the Mounted Unit, I said, ‘Just tell me what you need!’ They are such an asset – I’ll to anything to support the police department and Mounted Unit for our community,” Rounds said.

Tickets for the dining experience and show are $125 per person, with a maximum of 40 tickets available. An additional 60 tickets are available for the Crystal Room drag show only, at $40 each. Dinner is at 6pm, with the drag show following at 8:30; those who arrive at 5:30 will have the opportunity to meet two of the Mounted Unit horses, who will not be signing autographs, but will stand for photo op’s.

To reserve tickets, or to make a donation to the Mounted Unit fund, contact Jane Gardner at 305-780-7959 or email [email protected].