Mike Benton, owner of Home Towne Real Estate, admits he has 2 reasons he is running for Mardi Gras King- the publicity is great for his company, but more importantly it is part of a personal goal. He has lived in Calvert County for 38 years, working in real estate for the past 10, serving on numerous boards for the Economic Development Commission, Academy of Finance, Workforce Investment Board, and Calvert Animal Welfare League. It would come by surprise to many that Mike started his life with very little, and was raised by his grandmother. He attributes much of his success to the depression-era mentality passed down by his grandmother, like "It doesn't matter if you are broke, dirty or clean...you can always work hard."

Mike's early experiences led him to a lifelong passion for taking care of Calvert County's citizens, especially those who are most vulnerable like children, seniors and those in need- precisely the same people that are served by the programs United Way supports. Mike boasts, "I'm raising alot of money, and I'm not afraid to ask." Thus far, Mike has held a Wine & Chocolate event at Friday's Creek Winery and raffled a flat-screen TV. For updated information on Mike's fundraising events, visit the special events page of this site. If he is crowned, Mike says "I will make sure that the local government supports all not-for-profit organizations that help Calvert County citizens." To vote for Mike, visit www.unitedwaymardigras.com or call (410) 286-0100.