or decades, the Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane, or ISCS as it is known, has provided support for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning community of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. A variety of Drag Shows, Fundraisers, Outings, Camping Trips, Raffles and Auctions are used to promote unity and raise funds. The ISCS goal is to seek out needs and provide for those needs as humanely, efficiently and as readily as possible. ISCS is a registered non profit business entity with a Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and a Board of Directors. ISCS uses funds set aside in special accounts, all raised voluntarily by the community. The following are ways (not exclusive) in which funds are collected and distributed. GENERAL FUND This Fund provides for the operating costs of the ISCS. It is the responsibility of the Emperor and Empress titleholders to ensure that costs are within budget. This fund is used for advertising, promotion, and carrying out fundraising events. Under no circumstances is this fund used for personal use. Contrary to some public perception, this fund is not used for dresses, makeup and beads for the Drag Queens. HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS The ISCS works with several different organizations as well as the community itself in providing funds and food to those in need. Each holiday season, ISCS Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives provide for as many families and individuals as possible, regardless of sexual orientation. The entire budget in this account is provided to those proven to be in need. ISCS EDUCATIONAL GIFT FUND This Fund is provided to help in the advancement and is not exclusive to the GLBTQ Community. F Imperial Court does locally what the Monies distributed are based on how much is raised throughout the year for this specific account and are awarded at each ISCS Coronation ceremonies in October. A minimum of $1,000 is required to be raised each year, $750 from the Emperor and Empress, $250 from the Gay Spokane Titleholders. TCA E.A.S.E. DISASTER FUND This fund was established to provide for medical emergencies, acts of god, or any emergency beyond the requester's control. The ISCS Board of Directors are responsible for raising funds for this use. The Disaster Board carries its own Board of Directors appointed by the Emperor and Empress. Help is provided on a one time per year, per person basis to anyone requesting assistance limited to $100 per incident. The Treasurer of the ISCS is the sole person with the personal details of the incident. Information is held in strictest confidence with only the members of the Disaster Board. CHILDREN WITH AIDS FUND This Fund is ISCS's single biggest fundraiser each year with over $3,000 raised each reign. This money is provided to the Camp Star Light foundation, a retreat for Children living with HIV/AIDS to provide for hospice care of patients and to help in granting wishes to HIV/AIDS children. In the past, the ISCS has provided trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and even a pony and feed for one child years ago. KENNY MEALER CANCER AWARENESS FUND This fund was established in 1997, named after the ISCS 1st and 6th Emperor Ken, who passed away from cancer. Events connected with this fund raise monies for various cancer research and awareness causes to help those who may be susceptible, education for self checkups, research for possible cures and / or manageability, exams and training. ISCS can be reached at www.iscsspokane.com. www.qviewnorthwest.com | Q View Northwest - Spokane Edition | November 2008 |