Frequently Asked Questions
The Imperial
Windy City Court is an IRS recognized non-profit entity under Section
501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and is part of the International Court
System, begun by Jose Serria in San Francisco in 1965. There are presently 70 "Courts" throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE COURT?
The purpose of the Court is to raise funds for the Chicago community while
providing fun and entertaining events for the community. Our members not only
help by raising funds, but also by volunteering time and person power to worthy
projects. If there is a cause or an event that needs help, one is likely to find
members of the Court pitching in and lending a hand.
HOW WILL FUNDS BE RAISED FOR THESE PROJECTS?
The Court will sponsor a variety of fund raising events, including shows, theme
parties, pageants, and dinners, just to name a few. At some events, an admission
is charged, while at others we simply ask attendees to make whatever donation
they can.
WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?
The Board of Directors designates the recipient(s) of the funds raised by the
activities of the Court. The Monarchs of each reign may also designate specific
charities or projects that they wish to support through the activities of the Court.
WHO IS IN CHARGE?
The Court is governed by the dues paying members of the organization who elect
the Board of Directors and the Monarchs.
The Board of Directors oversees all activities and financial matters of the
organization.
The reigning Monarchs are the public
leaders of the organization and oversee all fund raising activities during their
one year reign.
THE MONARCHS
The Monarchs are elected by the general membership of the Court each year. The
winners of this election are announced two months prior to their crowning at the
Coronation Ball.
WHAT IS CORONATION?
Coronation is the annual fund raising gala that benefits designated charities for
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 Court to attend Coronation. It is open to
the public and everyone is encouraged to attend and support this event.
Courts from across the United States, Canada and Mexico travel to attend
Adornments/Coronations in cities such as Chicago each year, and representatives
of The Windy City Court will attend Adornments/Coronations in other cities in
which Courts are located.
WHAT PRIVILEGES DO I HAVE AS A MEMBER OF THE COURT?
Membership in the Court entitles one to voting rights as outlined in our By-Laws
and the Policies and Procedures Manual. Members participate in the election of
the Board of Directors and the Monarchs and have the right to vote on any
motions that are made at our general membership meetings. Members are also
entitled to a 10% discount on all non-Coronation events of more than $10.
Members also receive our monthly newsletter.
IF I JOIN, WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
Your level of involvement is completely up to you.
You may choose to perform at court show and events, to help out by selling
raffle tickets, passing out flyers, helping on various projects, and/or
assisting with advertising events sponsored by the Court.
You may choose to run for Emperor or Empress or seek a seat on the Board of
Directors.
You may wish to chair a committee or participate as a member of a committee.
Every member contributes in whatever way he or she chooses. It is your decision
as to how you would like to participate and how much time you can devote to the Court.
If you join the Court, you have already contributed to our success.
HOW DO I JOIN?
You may join by completing a membership application form available from any
member of the Board or Directors or at any general membership meeting or by
filling out the form listed in the
Forms and Manual
section of the website and mailing it in with your check or money order. Notice
of our meetings location
and time can be found on our website in Calendar at a Glance.
Dues are $25.00 annually, payable on the anniversary date of your membership.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
If you'd like to find our more about the Windy City Empire and what
we do, contact us in any of the following ways:
Phone: (773) 334-3296
Email: EmpireofChicago@yahoo.com
Snail mail: Box 804545, Chicago, IL 60680-4107
Website: www.WindyCityEmpire.org