And so the first Keys Munch was held at Wax (now closed) on Applerouth Lane. Attendees were IrishFlogger, helen and Rob, a rubber Fetishest, and we even  dressed for the occasion. At that time there was not much of a website, and no email list or yahoo group.

By reaching out to Ft Lauderdale friends such as SPICE (now www.spicebdsm.net) and the Ft Lauderdale Munch, Jupiter Munch, Palm Beach Munch, Orlando Munch and www.ds-arts.com and posting flyers at Leather Master and Fairvilla, the Munch began to grow.  Adding a newsletter list and yahoo group also attracted new contacts. We found sponsors in Leathermaster, Fairvilla, Docs Tattoos and SensesAtPlay, Kellys Carribean, all wonderful friends and supportive of the Munch

The first Fetish Party was also held at Wax, in 2002, where promo cards were printed (see http://www.keysmunch.com/index.php?sc=2 ) and turnout was fantastic, over 100 fetish wearing Key Westers showed up. More parties followed, each well supported with plenty of playtime fun. The Munch acquired cages, crosses and other play equipment items to ensure the events and demos were well equipped. Finding venues is always a tough task, Wax changed owners, but the Munch had a great time at Naked Lunch for many months before its closing.

Since then, Fetish friendly Kelly's Carribean has been supportive in allowing monthly events on premises, and are open to hosting special Fetish Party events.
The Keys Munch is a member of  The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom - a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.

The Keys Munch has been the subject of articles in Solares Hill and in Celebrate newspapers, and filmed on the Official Fantasy Fest DVD

At the height of those Munches at Naked Lunch, as many as 25 attended including the Jupiter Munch, to give and see the demos and interact. Lochai and friends visited to put on demos and enjoy our members.

Great friends were found along the way including Knotman (now deceased) Sir Conch, Emily, wendy, esther, sarah, mark, Abby, and others. In recent years we helped Kellys put on great Kinky Karnival events, along with Fetish Parties at Aqua, and at Senses At Play. We have given away over $2,000 in door prizes, and gift certificates  in the last 5 years, to Munch attendees and in supporting fundraisers.  

At the time we moved away to NW Florida in April of this year, the website contains 100+ pages of information and links, videos and photos, and has over 275 subscribers to the original newsletter notice list. The yahoo group has over 200 subscribers with new members weekly, and the cages, crosses, bench, suspension and other equipment was made available to the Keys Munch. 

It is always difficult to be the organizer of a group, as everyone wants to ride the ferris wheel but nobody wants to help crank it.

Like any organizations, it is up to the organizers to get the word out to others so they know the group exists, and be visible to those who may be attracted to it. After that, it is up to the group supporters to make it a success, otherwise what's the point.

We always said, its your Munch, shape it into what you want it to be,  - roll up your sleeves and help.

We have enjoyed our time running the Keys Munch, proud of what we achieved, and hope the group grows from the strong roots planted during the last 5 years.

Please, support the new organizers, RSVP when coming to Munches and events, post to the group board, and attend the Munches in person.

If you belong to another BDSM Munch or group, help get the word out about the Keys Munch. Link to the site at www.keysmunch.com

Yours in Leather
IrishFlogger
helen
IrishFlogger@fetishflirt.com