Key West The Newspaper

November kicks off a fundraising campaign for the KWPD Mounted Police unit horses, a drive for a beloved community asset launched by Key West resident and business owner Jane Gardner, proprietor of Jane Gardner Interiors at 328 Simonton Street.

The mounted unit presently has three horses and two officers. Why a fundraiser for the horses? The City budget provides for the stable at the Truman Waterfront, feed, hay, and basic equipment. But it is public fundraising that provides for emergency veterinarian expenses, certain specialty tack and equipment, the possibility of new horses, and out of budget items.

‘I went to the stable last week and had the opportunity to learn more about role of the unit horses in the community and how individuals and businesses can help support them,’ said Gardner. ‘KWPD Mounted Police officers Matt Johnson and Mike Wolf explained that beyond their obvious role as equine ambassadors, Scout, Shmoo and Paco perform effective crowd control work and are invaluable for furthering and promoting positive relations between residents, visitors and police officers. As the officers said, ‘you are never approached by anyone asking to pet a police car.’’

Jane’s fundraising campaign will run through December, during which time 10% of all purchases at her showroom and retail store will go into a fund to purchase and donate new equipment for the horses. At this time her focus will be on extra bridles, bits, saddle pads, blankets, canvas saddle pouches and some stable equipment that is in need of repair and which is out of budget.

Jane is also directing a product of her popular design talents to the unit’s benefit. In collaboration with Wisconsin-based illustrator Allison Beilke, Jane has designed a whimsical new fabric called ‘Paradise’ which will soon be sported by the Mounted Patrol horses in the form of horse-blankets. The colorful pattern features Key West scenes that the horses and officers pass by on their regular patrol rounds: Hemingway House, the Southernmost Point, Saint Paul’s Church, Tropic Cinema, 328 Simonton St., Royal Poinciana trees, Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters, the Truman Little White House, The Custom House Museum, Old City Hall, a rooster, charming six-toed cats and conch houses.

Jane will debut ‘Paradise’ to the public by the yard and in the form of ready-made decorative pillows and fleece blankets at her Season Opening Cocktail Party on Thursday, December 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. At the party, guests will have the opportunity to meet and take selfies with KWPD Mounted Police unit horses outside of the showroom, while enjoying complimentary festive libations and Jane’s decorative treasures within.

Jane’s December 1 party also celebrates a change of name for her retail business and showroom from ‘Jane Gardner Interiors’ to simply ‘jane,’ marking a sharpened focus on the store’s exceptional gifts, decorative accessories and furniture. (Jane’s office for professional interior design services will continue to operate from her showroom location.)

Augmenting the 10% of all other purchases that will go into the fundraising kitty for the duration of the campaign, purchases of ‘Paradise’ fabric and accessories at the party will reap 20% for the fund, with any supplementary donations from the public ‘welcomed and deeply appreciated,’ said Jane.

For more information about Jane Gardner Interiors, Jane’s KWPD Mounted Police unit fundraising campaign, or the December 1 Showroom Season Opening Cocktail Party, contact Jane Gardener at 305-780-7959, visit janegardnerinteriors.com or email [email protected].

For more information about volunteering at the KWPD Mounted Police unit stable, contact Officer Matt Johnson at [email protected].