The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch (ISCCA) is having Coronation 35 this coming April 16th.  GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine, a long time supporter of the ISCCA, spoke with the outgoing Emperor and Empress 34 Fred Wolf-Would and Malibu Stacey to get their thoughts on the past year – what they felt has been done successfully, and what they wished could have been done better.

Declaring to have been a member of the court for 28 years leading up to his reign, Fred enjoyed the opportunity to travel as much as possible to promote the ISCCA as Emperor. He tells us he has travelled to 72 cities from coast-to-coast and across the States, meeting other Imperial Courts. Yet it’s not just about visiting other Courts, he says: "...you do this for two reasons...you do it to be a goodwill ambassador for Calgary and you do it to raise money for much needed charities. That’s why all the cities do it."

At the beginning of his reign, Fred and Malibu set a goal for themselves. They aimed to raise at least $35,000 because the court is going into its 35th year. According to Fred, they have succeeded...by how much, they’re not yet sure, as there are still additional fundraisers before a final tally is made. "We’re very proud of that...it took a lot of hard work," Fred states.

"I had high expectations going into this...it’s my third time around for it [as part of the court]," Malibu Stacey tells us. "My expectations were to make $55,000...we haven’t done that, but for the amount of money we have raised this year it has gone really, really well."

Whatever the final tally, the ISCCA will make a significant donation to Children’s Wish Foundation, Agapé Hospice Calgary, Beswick House, and HIV Lunch Program.

As for challenges, Fred believes, "...what we could have done more is get more Calgary involved and get more youth involved. The International Court has made this the Year of the Youth and we did some youth fundraisers this year. Malibu and I both went to the gay youth dance and grad this year which was a truly heart-warming experience." He recounts that many youth run into him out in public and still remember the effort he and Malibu made in reaching out to them.

For Malibu, her goal was, "...getting the word out there to be more positive."  Malibu tells us how she went down to Lethbridge Pride with her Princess and they were warmly received. She does think, "...like I didn’t do enough for the community but everybody that I talked to said yes, you went way beyond your expectations...you were there for the community. I wish I could have travelled a lot more, but with work it wasn’t feasible for me."

This past year was an interesting, if not challenging one. We’ve seen a new gay nightclub open, and the city itself is trying to shake off an economic downturn. This would have been a difficult year for any organization engaged in fundraising.

Nevertheless, they state that they found all of the businesses in town to be supportive, and that the new club, Sapien, has been incredibly receptive towards the ISCCA. "Sapien stepped up tenfold," Fred states, and Malibu concurs.  Additionally, Malibu states that while it was nice to have another venue, you can’t just work out of one bar – the community is too small and all the bars deserve the opportunity to get involved.

Fred has extra praise for one of their biggest supporters this year: the Texas Lounge. "Alan and Andrew have done nothing but bend over backwards to see that the ISCCA raises money...they’ve never said no...it has been amazing."

However, Alan (aka Empress 30 Dyna Myte) and his husband Wolfgang have always been big supporters of the court, Malibu tells us. "I think it’s because she’s been a past Empress so she knows what it’s all about.  ...We’ve done so much with them this year...they’ve been great supporters."

As for any worries about tougher economic times impacting their fundraising, Fred tells us the contrary. "Malibu and I got into this saying we can raise some serious money... $10,000? There’s nothing wrong with that. $35,000, now that’s making a statement."

Malibu thinks that if anything, Calgary is starting to come out of the recession. "People were more willing to be there for you and to give more support." She says at the Texas Lounge she would often get people giving money for shooters, but they didn’t take the drink – they gave the money strictly as a donation.

Yet donations of money weren’t the only way people helped the ISCCA – there were many other people who assisted Fred and Malibu in reaching their goal. A big help was the court’s board of directors. "We’ve got a really strong board....we’re honoured that those people volunteer and take the time [to help guide the organization]," Fred stated. "Nobody gets paid to do this, it’s all volunteer – 100%. You’re giving of your time and energy and you believe in it."

As well, Fred wanted to make sure that any and all volunteers know they are appreciated for their help. "You can’t do this without the volunteers for support...if you don’t have volunteers you can’t do what we do."

Furthermore, as both told me, the demands of being Empress and Emperor require the support of family, friend, and employers. Malibu’s boss Tim Sturgess has been amazingly understanding, rescheduling her shifts when needed.  Likewise, both Fred’s boss and his "wife" are coming to Coronation: "I can’t imagine [my boss] being in a room full of a bunch of drag queens and gay people...he’s a rugby player." Fred also looks forward to having several family members join him for Coronation 35, travelling to Calgary from all over.

Both of them will have time during Coronation Week to extend their thanks in person during Coronation Week.  This includes events like the State Dinner, Imperial Roast, In Town and Out of Town shows (a complete list is available on their website).  This culminates in Coronation 35 itself - "A Black and White Affair – 007 Style" on Saturday, April 16th.

While Fred and Malibu will of course be attending at all events, they forewarn that they will be late for the In-town show on Thursday April 14th. They tell us that on that date ISCCA will be honoured by the Children’s Wish Foundation of Alberta & Northwest Territories for donating over $100,000 dollars in the past few years.  They will be present as representatives of the ISCCA. "It’s a VIP dinner...We’re going in full regalia for the first time, Malibu will go in drag, I will have my crown on my shoulder." They will be feted at the Palliser Hotel Ballroom - an event they both are eagerly anticipating.

GayCalgary & Edmonton Magazine extends our congratulations and wishes for continued successes to the ISCCA in the year to come.