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Our Mission |
The Preamble to our by-laws...
Service through united action and guided by intelligence, is the hallmark of this corporation. Believing that such unity is essential for the mutual understanding and advancement of the interest and general welfare of the citizens throughout Fresno and Madera Counties, we have formed this corporation, the objects of which shall be: to cultivate friendships among it’s members, to promote harmonious relations between it’s members and the community, to place the members of this corporation on a higher plane of understanding and concern for their fellow man; and to be of assistance and aid to all who are in need, if it is in our power to do so.
We are representatives, and on behalf of our peers, desire to preserve and support the titles of Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera, Inc. At the same time we believe that the said titles of Emperor and Empress of the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera, Inc. can never become the personal property of a few individuals, but will be held in trust for the benefit of all the people of Fresno and Madera counties.
To provide laws for the government of this corporation, (our bylaws) shall govern the officers and subordinate members of this corporation in the exercise of their rights, discharge of their duties and obligations in accordance with the high standards of responsibility and conduct herein set forth.
Our purpose... The IDC is a non-profit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. We are organized under the Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation Law for Charitable Causes. We are also organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our primary purpose is to sponsor activities in order to raise money for charity. Traditionally the IDC sponsors a State Function ten of the twelve calendar months in addition to monthly bar events and out of town travels. All monies raised are held in trust and disbursed upon approval of the general membership at the end each reign. The IDC holds monthly meetings of its general membership the first Monday of each month and quarterly meetings of its Board of Directors. The Fiscal year of the IDC is the twelve- month period between July 1st and June 30th, with our annual Coronation Ball held in the month of May.A brief XXX year history of Imperial accomplishments and community service...
Decade One - Although a thriving a "drag community" existed, it was an Empress from another empire that suggested that Fresno should start an entity known as "a court". In 1973, Jesse Villalobos hosted and competed in Fresno’s first Empress Ball. Selected by judges, Jesse would be crowned Empress I of what was to be known as The Royal Court of Fresno. In 1974 Empress II Bobbie introduces the court’s logo – a cluster of grapes set with in a crown. In 1975 Fresno elects its first male monarch, Emperor III Pat Brock; Empress Bobbie is the first monarch to be re-elected and impeached from office. In 1976 Fresno re-elects Empress Jesse, who is the first monarch to serve two full terms. Our name is changed to The Imperial Court of Fresno. In 1977 to symbolize the love and peace of the court, Empress V Darlene puts into statute the new logo for the court - two doves in flight, a single crown above their heads within the boundaries of a circle. In 1978, our name is changed to The Imperial Dove Court de Fresno. In 1980 the process of "open voting" was ended requiring all those who vote to be a Fresno resident. In 1981 Empress VIII Mona is the first lesbian elected Empress. In 1982 Emperor IX CindyW is the first lesbian elected Emperor. The Court sees the first Emperor to be impeached and reinstated in the same year.
Decade Two - In 1983 the court becomes incorporated, restructures its by-laws and replaces the Privy Council with a governing Board of Directors consisting of the Reigning Monarchs, all Past Monarchs, the ICPs and three officers elected from the general membership. In 1984 Empress XI Michelle de Camp puts into statute a "limited travel fund" to assist the monarchs when going out of town (it reimburses hotel, ball ticket and transportation expenses). In 1986 the Court replaces its original state crown, which is in decay with a new style (to be worn at crowning, Brunch, Investiture and stepping down). Empress XIII Francine Fishpaw is the first to win an "out of town honorary title" when she is chosen as Empress Neptuna (Hawaii). In 1987 the court expands its boundaries and changes its name to The Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera, Inc. In 1989 Fresno sees its largest Coronation attendance. Empress XVI Montana proclaims that all Empresses of the Fresno Court shall be known as a Dove Empress. Emperor XVI Loyd and Empress XVI Montana are the first to make a tribute for their Decade monarchs a part of Coronation (it is a tradition that continues today). The first Honorary Empresses (Billy Tree, Sophonda Peters and Crystal Starr) are added to the Imperial Family. Emperor XVI Loyd is the most decorated Emperor with four "out of town honorary titles". In 1990 Fresno elects Empress XVII Ashley Abbott as it’s youngest Empress, she is 22. In 1991 Fresno elects its first pair of lovers as Emperor XVIII Tom Close and Empress XVIII Tiana. Our fiscal policies are restructured and Fresno’s sees the largest charity disbursement in its history, 28,000.00+ (reigns XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII and XXIII also exceed 20,000 in charity money raised). In 1992 Fresno once again restructures its Board of Directors, which now consists of the Reigning Monarchs, ICPs, three court officers (elected by the general membership) and five at large members (nominated from Imperial Family members first, if under five nominations opened to general membership; elected by general membership).
Decade Three - In 1993 the court experiences its first double impeachment (Empress for being unable to fulfill her obligations and the Emperor for embezzlement). Regent Emperor XX Lupe and Regent Empress XX Felecia are the first ICPs to be elevated to Regent Monarchs. Offered the titles of Emperor and Empress XX, Lupe and Felecia decline and chose to maintain their Regent titles. In 1994 the Board bestows the title of Elected Empress XX to Vanessa James and reinstates her Imperial Family status with all its privileges. In 1996 Empress XXIII CeCe proclaims that all Empresses of the Fresno Court shall be known as an Absolute Dove Empress. In 1997 Emperor Jose is the first Emperor to be re-elected.
Emperor XIV and XXIV Jose proclaims that all Emperors of the Fresno Court shall be known as a Guardian of the Dove. Emperor XIV and XXIV Jose also proclaims that although the Duke and Duchess are elected, the IDC Ducal Ball shall be a one-day event. Empress XXIV Mae East proclaims that each reign the court shall provide one crown, which shall represent the Empresses and one crown that shall represent the Emperors. In 1998 in celebration of the Silver Jubilee, all Empresses of the Fresno Court define their contribution to the Dove. In 1999 Emperor XXVI Jeff proclaims that all Emperors of the Fresno Court shall define their contributions to the Guardian. This reign also proclaims that all imperial Proclamations be published in the Coronation program to establish a written record. In 2002 Emperor XXIII Sammy is the first Emperor to be elected to the office of Empress, he is also known as Empress XXIX Serena de Carlo.
Decade Four - In 2003 the Fresno Court celebrates 30 years of Imperial accomplishments and community service proving once again that the excellence continues...
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Last Updated: June 08, 2008
