In 1996, then-reigning Empress XX Mz. Rhonda del ray Rockafella returned from a trip to San Diego inspired by their court to start "Crown’s for Kids," a charity designed to provide toys to children in need. When she stepped down, she proclaimed that she would continue to do the project "Until I die or pass it on to someone else." Now in it’s 7th year, the toy drive continues to be a success.
"Every year it never ceases to amaze me how the community comes out and supports the project. For example, at this year’s kick off show, a gentleman was in the club who did not realize the significance of the evening. He believed in the cause, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled out the money he had there. It ended up being $105, and he donated it to the drive that night. Boxes have always been overflowing with toys each year."
It is this kind of generosity that overwhelms Rhonda every year.
"Christmas is a time when everyone comes together. There is no gender or politics; people come together to give from their hearts. For some people this is the only way they can be parents because many in the gay and lesbian community don’t get the chance to buy toys at Christmas. This gives them the opportunity to go out to buy and donate the toys; it makes them feel good. The gifts go to children who would not otherwise have anything under the tree at Christmas."
As a parent herself, the project is one that hits close to his heart.
"I grew up in a home where we never went without something under the tree. My children haven’t either. It tugs at my heartstrings to know that children may not have something on Christmas morning."
Although the drive and its totals are included in the numerous charitable events that the I.S.C.C.A is involved in every year, the project is Rhonda’s baby, and she is in charge of all aspects of the fund raiser.
"I collect the money, keep the records, and submit receipts and everything to our treasurer in January."
Toys donated benefit services in Calgary, including The Children’s Cottage, The Children’s Hospital, The Women’s Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, and The Salvation Army Village for Children, as well as private families.
"I’ve had people approach me who have known couples who were in need of toys for their children. Last year, I had an employee who had just moved his wife and four children to Calgary from Asia, and it was a bleak Christmas. We were able to help him out, and all of his children had something underneath the tree."
Rhonda also takes a portion of the cash donated and contributes it to Avenue 15, which is an organization for teenagers. The money is used to buy gift certificates to music stores, so that children of all ages are taken care of.
For the first five years, the drive kicked off at the Midnight Café and bar. When it closed down two years ago, the I.S.C.C.A. kick off event found new homes. Last year the show was at The Verge. This past November 9, the kick off was hosted at Boyztown, with a drag show in which proceeds from the cover charge and 50/50 tickets went to the charity. The event runs until December 19th.
Boyztown has always been a big supporter of the project, which Rhonda greatly appreciates. Every year the staff of the bar has gets together and goes crazy shopping for toys. They make the final donation on the closing night.
Toys can be dropped off at one of three locations. PRIAPE Calgary at 1322 17th Avenue SE, Rainbow Pride Resource Center at 1230A 17th Avenue SW and The Calgary Eagle at 424A 8th Avenue SE. Rhonda is happy that this is the first time Calgary’s Leather Community has gotten behind the drive.
Those wishing to donate are asked to drop of unwrapped toys at the listed locations, and those wishing to make money donations are asked to make cheques out directly to the Imperial Court of the Chinook Arch.
The drive continues to grow each year as the Gay Community comes out in force to support the worthwhile cause. Plans are in effect to bring "Crowns for Kids" to courts in Edmonton and Vancouver, with Rhonda being involved with them. For the moment, all focus is on this year. Last year $6,500 in toys and money was donated. Rhonda would like to top last year’s total, but it is not the driving force behind the campaign.
"I’ve never set a goal. I don’t run it as a competition; whatever comes in comes in. The fact we are helping kids is what is important."
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Contributor Jason Clevett |
Locale Calgary |
Topic Crown’s For Kids | Fundraiser |
Photo Gallery Crown’s For Kids |
