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Emperor
Mark Cambell
Buffallo,
NY & CT
H-
C- 203-247-2704
Email - empr1mark@aol.com
177 Skyview Drive
Cromwell, CT 06416
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Mark
was born in Canada, November 16, 1956 and came to
the United States when he was 2 in a little red wagon
over the Rainbow Bridge – and New York has never
been the same.
Mark
was (and still is) an empathetic soul, and was always
involved in helping those in need. Even though he
held down three jobs and attended school, he still
found the time to raise money and give of his precious
time. His dedication to helping others was always
a part of his life, and when the Imperial Court of
Buffalo was founded, it was simply a greater vehicle
to raise money and help those in need.
With
some of his compatriots, he coordinated and co-directed
shows (not only in the bars but also outside in the
Community). The monies raised went directly to members
of the LGBT Community who could not afford medication,
rent or groceries. Most of the recipients were people
living with HIV/AIDS. The shows were produced for
about five or six years before the founding of the
Court of Buffalo. Dozens of events were held and countless
people benefited.
During
the Holidays he would collect and/or buy toys and
appear at the Buffalo Children’s’ Hospital
as Santa Clause. He also spent time with babies with
HIV/AIDS, who simply needed attention and time –
holding and caring.
In
1991, Mark McCarthy (H.I.M. Empress I & VII of
Buffalo) returned home after attending “Night
of 1000 Gowns” in New York City, and called
together a group of people to discuss forming a Court
in Buffalo. Mark Cambell was one of those in attendance
and became a motivational force in the Court and the
Community.
Mark
was well known in the Community in Buffalo for all
of his charitable works and therefore a great candidate
to serve as Emperor I alongside Mimi. His visibility
and familiarity gave the new organization the kind
of introduction that was needed – and it worked.
They were crowned at The Statler Hilton Hotel in downtown
Buffalo, with Toronto as their Mother Court.
Mark
was the founding member of the following events –
many of which are still annual fundraisers for ICOB.
Bid
For Bachelors – Raised $12,000 for seed money
for the Court and the balance for
AIDS Family Services
Spaghetti Dinner – for the Benedict House (AIDS
Hospice)
Cruise with Royalty – Boat Ride in July/August
Pumpkins For Life ---- sell Paper Pumpkins for $1
and post in a public place
(Donors name displayed on pumpkin)
As
Emperor I and a solid member of the ICOB, Mark participated
in many other events, not only while reigning, but
also for years after. He was awarded The Good Citizen
Award of Buffalo and presented with a Key to the City
for his good deeds. Here are some of what he did:
Clothes
Drive for Friends of the Night ----- collected clothes
for the homeless
Thanksgiving, Xmas and/or Easter Dinners for AIDS
Family Services – (with Mimi) bought and
cooked food and fed their clientele. Also, in conjunction
with “Buddies bar”, delivered
meals to those who were shut-ins and could not come
to the facility.
Volunteered at the Benedict House (AIDS Hospice) giving
free Hair Cuts and perms
Volunteered with the local chapters to raise money
for Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular
Dystrophy via week-end Dace-A-Thons and other events.
Volunteered and the Annual Buddy Fest for AIDS Community
Services in their “dunk tank”
Introduced the Court to non-LGBT Organizations, such
as the Buffalo Historical Society, raising
Awareness and education.
Mark served on the Board of Directors in many capacities:
President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
and has been an active members of the College of Monarchs.
Though no longer residing in Buffalo, Mark is still
involved with the Court and offers his experience,
strength and knowledge when needed.
Now
living in Connecticut, Mark is active in the Imperial
Court of CT by serving as The Minister of Protocol
for the past three years and sits on the College of
Monarchs. He has been involved in Community Outreach
with non-LGBT Organizations such as HARC – the
Hartford Association for Retarded Children.
