Family and friends are mourning the loss of Pearl Boy, the hip-hop artist turned politician, who most notably ran unsuccessfully in 2011 for Honorary Mayor of Eastsound. The white bunny, who campaigned vigorously on the green ticket, passed quietly in his sleep at the home of a close friend.
The Honorary Mayor’s race is an annual fundraising event sponsored by and benefitting Orcas Island Children’s House, a childhood early learning center. Canines, felines, bovines and bunnies compete for a shot at the top.
Pearl Boy was the first candidate in the history of the race to employ a multimedia campaign, including his own YouTube video, (“Get out and vote people!”) Facebook page, blog and tweets gently jabbing at his opponents. Pearl Boy finished fourth in a field of seven and behind community favorite and current mayor, bovine April.
“I was moooved by his friendship,” said Mayor April on his death, acknowledging that Pearl Boy had the support of the “under six” demographic. “He will be greatly missed.”
In lieu of flowers, Children’s House suggests supporters consider giving to the charity of their choice. (Children’s House was an obvious favorite of Pearl Boy’s.)
The 2012 event will kick off in May and run through the 4th of July weekend.
