Signature Events
The LGBT Community Easter Egg Hunt
Founded in 2003 by City Commissioner Nicole Murray Ramirez and Linda Childers, The Easter Egg Hunt us an annual event where children and parents of LGBT Community and other families come together for a day of fun in the park. During the first year, over 125 children attended with their families. In 2004 over 300 children were in attendance. 2005 brought over 400 children to Trolley Barn Park for the Egg Hunt, with each taking home an Easter Basket filled with goodies, stuffed animals, toys and even bikes and wagons, all donated by businesses, friends and families of the LGBT Community. Our 8th year, 2011, brought more than 600 children to the event.
Scott Carlson/Dan Ferbal Thanksgiving Dinner
The Thanksgiving Community Dinner was started by AIDS activist Scott Carlson back in 1989 to provide a communal gathering for people living with AIDS during Thanksgiving to share a meal and spend time with people who cared. When Scott passed away, the community banded together and continued this tradition. Former Empress and City Commissioner Julia Legaspi dedicated herself to make sure that The Court provides substantial financial and volunteer support to ensure that the Dinner is always a festive and memorable affair. In 2004, The Imperial Court, along with The First Unitarian Universalist Church, took over the lead of securing the continuation of this wonderful tradition and named the event as the Scott Carlson Thanksgiving Community Dinner in his honor. In 2020 Dan Ferbal was added to the name.
Toys for Kids
The Imperial Court's annual Toys for Kids drive, the oldest toy drive of the LGBT Community was established in 1974 after the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation refused to accept toys from the homesexual community. From the time of its inception, Toys for Kids program has brought holiday cheer to thousands of children throughout San Diego County and Mexico.
Winter Blanket Drive
The Annual Winter Blanket Drive was started many years ago after a news report that many deaths among young children and the elderly people in Tijuana were directly attributed to the cold winter months. Currently The Winter Blanket Drive delivers blankets not only in Mexico but to some homeless shelters in San Diego County.