Meet our 2015 Candidates for King & Queen of Mardi Gras - all thoughtful and generous citizens of Calvert County that want to give back to our community...and have fun doing it! You can vote for them to show you care too at the links below.
King Candidates
About Eric Faughnan
Eric Faughnan is an accomplished scholar, having earned a Masters in Architecture and Certificate in Urban Planning from University of Maryland, but a few years ago his career took him in a new direction as owner of Kingfisher’s Restaurant in Solomons. Before running a business, Eric was able to travel internationally and volunteer with building organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Now he is setting his sights on giving back locally. “More important than gaining the title of King is the importance of helping raise money for the community.” By using his restaurant as a venue for fundraising events like a five-course dinner, a crab feast, and happy hour events, he will continue to help local causes he cares about supported by United Way. Eric and his partner Alvin enjoy traveling and living among other cultures, but live conveniently just across the river from Kingfisher’s in California.
About Ben Krause
Ben Krause is what you call a Renaissance man, educated on all matters of history, nature, theatre, writing and games. As park technician for Kings Landing Park, he gives his time and talent to many local charitable causes including the Freemason Lodge 142, Twin Beach Players and Chesapeake Theatre Company. For his Mardi Gras fundraising efforts, he is organizing a multi-console tournament with Gamestop, donating a sum of money raised from his book sales, and hosting Halloween events. If he were to win the title of Mardi Gras King Ben says, “education is a major drive for me, so I would be focused on educating Calvert citizens in ways to step up, become involved, and become a part of something bigger than them.” A resident of Prince Frederick, Ben invests much of his free time in political advocacy around local issues, and writing novels, which span genres from suspense, horror, and non-fiction.
Dave Payne is a man on a mission, not just to be King of Mardi Gras, but to raise awareness that children learn where they live, and that we need more volunteers in our community to bring enrichment to their lives. “We have not only a responsibility to help and to enhance the lives of those less fortunate, but the ability to make a lifelong difference.” His passion has played out in years of public service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Calvert County Sheriff’s Department, and St. Leonard Fire Department, serving on the Board of Directors for Southern Maryland Community Network, and volunteering as a mentor and football coach for Calvert High. To kick off his efforts in the race for Mardi Gras King, Dave has already started a sportsmen’s raffle, and has plans for a cornhole tournament, wine tasting, and a 5k race. When he’s not lending a hand out in the community, Dave is spending time with his wife Christina, 19 year old son Tyler and 8 year old daughter Alyssa.
Learn more about Dave's campaign events.
Queen Candidates
About Veronica Alston
As Founder and CEO of Ruth’s Miracle Group Home Foundation, a transitional home for women in crisis, Veronica Alston exudes a true passion for helping others. In the race for Mardi Gras Queen, she hopes to draw upon her nonprofit fundraising experience using GoFundMe, yard sales, direct mail solicitations, raffles, and donation jars around the county. But her goal goes farther than just raising funds. “I want to show women in recovery that there is hope. I hope this experience will show other women that may have fear of changing their situation, they can make it happen.” In her spare time, she volunteers for the Help Association, local churches, and with local senior center activities. The mother of three adults, Veronica now lives in Lusby, but enjoys visits to the mountains and the ocean to connect with nature.
About Stephanie Corley
Stephanie Corley has learned a great deal about her community and the people living in it as a realtor for ReMAX 100, and former employee for the Calvert County Board of Education and PTA Board member. She has seen firsthand the struggles of seniors and single parents trying to find affordable housing and the substance abuse problems plaguing youth and young adults. “ I have always believed in giving back to the community where you live, and through the years I have always believed in and supported United Way.” In her campaign for Mardi Gras Queen, Stephanie is planning “fun”draising events, including a pirate-themed party, wine tasting and glass painting event, casino night, polar plunge, fashion show and karaoke night. Stephanie and her husband Trey live in Port Republic, and enjoy quality time with their 3 grown kids and friends.
Learn more about Stephanie's campaign events.
About Cindy Dinan
As if preparing for the role of Queen her whole life, Cindy Dinan has gained valuable leadership experience as General Manager of Maryland Trust Title & Escrow, LLC and through participation in the 2010 Southern Maryland Leadership program. She has also served the Southern Maryland community by lending a hand at several Christmas in April home restoration projects. “I’d love to help United Way raise a lot of money to help those who need it most.” Some of her fundraising plans include a painting party and a 5K race, and while she is aiming for the crown, she says if she doesn’t win she still wants to get more involved by volunteering with United Way partner agencies. Cindy lives in Huntingtown, spending quality time in the great outdoors with her husband Jason and 17 year old son Ethan.
Learn more about Cindy's campaign events.
