What Is The Imperial Court of Buffalo (ICOB)?

The Imperial Court of Buffalo raises funds for the Buffalo community and AIDS/Gay related charities (among others charities as well), while providing fun and entertaining events for the community. Our members not only help by raising funds, but also by volunteering time and manpower. The Imperial Court of Buffalo has assisted such events as: Cause for Celebration, Buffalo Pride, Artists and Models, Ways In Being Gay, National Coming Out Day, The Kellie McCarthy Aids Walk, The Arties, Juvenile Diabetes Walk and many, many more. If there is a cause or event which needs help, you are very likely to find members of the ICOB in regalia or not.

How have funds been raised?

The Imperial Court of Buffalo and its membership sponsor a variety of fundraising events, including shows, theme parties, pageants, dinners, basket raffles, raffle tickets and red ribbon sales to name a few. At some events we charge an admission price, while at others we simply ask attendees to make whatever donation they can.

Where does the money go?

Each reign (year) chooses where they would like the funds to be distributed.

In years past we have given funds to:

AIDS Family Services

The WNY Pride Center

AIDS Alliance Food Bank

GLYS

MOCHA Project

The Benedict House

Buffalo United Artists

AND MANY MORE!

All donations made are tax deductible. The ICOB is a 501C-3 non-profit organization.

Who is in charge?

The ICOB is governed by the members of the organization who elect the Emperor, Empress and the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors oversees all the activities and financial matters of the organization. They are assisted by the College of Monarchs, a standing committee make up of past monarchs of Buffalo who have remained active within the organization and have met the criteria established to maintain membership on the College.

What are the Emperor and Empress?

The Emperor and Empress, also referred to as the Monarchs are elected by the general membership each April. The winners of the election are announced and crowned at the Coronation Ball which is held each year in the month of May. The Emperor and Empress are the public leaders of the organization and oversee all fundraising activities during the one year period of their reign.

What is a Coronation?

Coronation is the annual fundraising gala which benefits the designated charities of the current reign. It celebrates the end of the reign for the current Monarchs and the start of a new reign. You do not have to be a member of the ICOB to attend Coronation. It is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Courts from all over the United States and Canada travel to attend the Coronation Ball in Buffalo each year. The ICOB is the only organization of its kind in Buffalo to bring in people to our city each year making a financial impact of thousands of dollars in airfare, hotels, shopping, restaurants, etc. that is kept right here in Buffalo.