Leah Stockton, Director of Development and Engagement with AH Monroe, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on in the organization.
AH Monroe is celebrating 40 years of service to the Florida Keys community.
Stockton said, “This is a milestone for us, 40 years here in the Keys. Many people will remember that AH Monroe actually started as AIDS help back in 1986 in response to the AIDS crisis, and the organization has continued to help people in the Keys ever since. The organization has grown considerably. Became AH Monroe in 2009 to recognize that we not only serve people living with HIV, but also that affordable housing is just as important. Health is housing and housing is health and it’s been a big 40 years and lots more to come.”
Partnerships are very valuable to AH Monroe.
Stockton said, “Nobody likes a party like Key West likes a party, right? So you can’t have an anniversary without celebrating. So we’re bringing back the Vintners dinner. We haven’t had this event since 2019. It was always a favorite when we had it. If you’ve never been, it is a wonderful evening multi course meal served by local chefs, and each course is paired with fine wines by Vintners that fly in specifically for this event. So it’s one of those you get your money’s worth what you eat and drink there, but also it’s going to be a great evening with live music, entertainment, a toast to 40 years, and it’s held at beautiful Williams Hall on Saturday, March 21. Tickets are available. They are on the Taste of Key West website, and you just click on Vintners dinner, and it’ll take you right in from there. You can get a table for four, a table for eight or individual tickets, as you’d like. It really is a lovely event, and many people remember it from decades past and I hope will want to come out and join us to celebrate and have a good night.”
The 31st annual Taste of Key West will be held on March 23 at Truman Waterfront.
Stockton said, “This is our signature fundraiser every year. It’s definitely a crowd favorite. We usually have around 4,000 guests come out throughout the evening, and it’s free to come on down. And then you buy tickets that can be used at the various beverage tents. And we have over 40 local restaurant and beverage partners joining us. Republic National Distributing company is our partner for the wines. And then if you want to attend tasty Key West, but you want a little bit more upscale evening, we do have our VIP tent, which is sponsored by First State Bank this year. And you can have seating there wines directly in the tent, past hors d’oeuvres, and then you go on out into the larger Taste of Key West event to sample at the various tents.”
Sponsorships are still available.
Stockton said, “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community. We’ve been very lucky, very grateful that the community has made us what we are today, a successful organization helping thousands of people each year. We look forward to continuing to do so, and hope that the community will continue to support us moving forward as we look to what’s next. This really is a 40th anniversary campaign that will continue throughout the year. So thank you to all of the individuals and businesses. All of that information is on Taste of Key West as well.”
How are the Lofts at the Bahama Village going?
Stockton said, “We have 98 rental units there at the lofts at Bahama village that we manage. And as of last week, we are officially full. Every unit is taken, which is wonderful, wonderful service to the community. But as we know, life happens, units are going to change over. People move in, people move out. So if you are interested in living at the lofts at Bahama Village, please, please reach out and we will give you more information, put you on the wait list. You can give us a call and we can answer any questions about it.”
For more information, click here: https://ahhousing.org/