Krewe de Kinque Raises $4000 For The Richmond/ Ermet AIDS Foundation

San Francisco Times
Masquerade Party Thrown By Krewe De Kinque
Published: March 31, 2011

Krewe de Kinque is a fun fundraising social group that believes Mardi Gras is not just one week in the year; but rather the spirit of celebration continues all year long in the form of parties and fundraisers. Over the seven-plus years, Krewe de Kinque has raised thousands upon thousands of dollars for needy causes, such as the Katrina flood catastrophe and the Haiti earthquake disaster, to name a few.

The Krewe just completed their biggest fundraiser that they put on each year, “Bal Masque,” which translates to “Masked Ball,” which was held at Trigger this year on March 5 in the Castro, featuring comic Bruce Vilanch as Grand Marshal. The theme was “Studio 69: a Night of Decadence and Dance,” which was the KdK takeoff on the notorious Studio 54 back in the decadent days of disco in the Big Apple.

Café Flore was properly decorated in the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold for “Masquerade.” KdK strongly supports the official slogan of Mardi Gras, “Laissez les bons temps roulez,” which translates to “Let the good times roll.”

That is exactly what happened on March 26 at Café Flore as KdK held “Masquerade,” a Mardi Gras party where they presented a $4,000 check to The Richmond/ Ermet AIDS Foundation. REAF raises funds for dozens of AIDS service organizations in the Bay Area by producing star-studded cabaret and musical performances all year long. Newly crowned King VIII Frank Vera and Queen VIII Garza handed over the Bal Masque VIII proceeds to REAF Executive Director Ken Henderson and REAF Board Members Joseph Seiler and Patrik Gallineaux. Stoli Ambassador Gallineaux then generously hosted an open Stoli bar for all the guests. Both Henderson and Seiler expressed their gratitude to Krewe de Kinque.

KdK also raised $220 with their raffle and performance tips that night.

Krewe King I Gary Virginia gave many thanks to the House of Garza for organizing the entertainment featuring DJ Ken Vulsion, Tweaka Turner, Marco X. Middlesex, Farrokh, Kippy Marks on electric violin, Mama Dora, Carlos & Joseph, and volunteer go-go dancers. Garza herself performed several flashy dance and lip-synch numbers.

Raffle donations were aplenty thanks to Queen II Deana Dawn, Stoli/Patrik, King I Gary, Hard Rock Cafe, Under One Roof, Pier 39, L’Occitane, and King & Queen VIII Garza & Frank.

Thanks went to the Café Flore staff for the use of the venue and appetizers and to King I Gary Virginia for the tasty midnight jambalaya and cornbread, which is official Mardi Gras cuisine.

Other Krewe members adding their color and support to the event were Queen I KC Dare, King VI James Holloway, King VII John Weber and his Queen VII Sister Dana Van Iquity, Empress Donna Sachet, and Grand Duke Carlos Medal. It was a special bonus to have Garza’s mother visiting from Peru in the audience all night as well. Everyone partied until way past midnight, having thoroughly celebrated another festive Mardi Gras occasion and ending with a rowdy conga line.

New members with the Mardi Gras spirit are always encouraged to apply. Check out sfkinque.com for information. Look for more KdK fundraisers in the future, including their infamous “Full Moon Parties” and bare ass contests where “some lucky asshole will win a hundred dollars.”