For the past decade San Diego’s very own Imperial Court and countless volunteers have raised money and collected Easter baskets, bicycles, toys and more for underprivileged children to receive Easter Sunday.
The Imperial Court de San Diego and Empress Candi Samples kicked off the 10th annual Children’s Easter Basket campaign at Bamboo Lounge in Hillcrest last weekend with volunteers stuffing 6,000 plastic Easter eggs for the event.
Empress Candi Samples stated the goal was to gather 600 Easter baskets and asked people in the community to donate at least one basket. Target or Walmart have baskets ranging from $5 – $15 and any one of them would be greatly appreciated.
Baskets can be dropped off at Revivals, 1644 University Ave. or at The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street; both are located in Hillcrest. Other donations being accepted are stuffed animals, bicycles and checks. Please make checks payable to The Imperial Court San Diego, memo section “Easter Baskets.” Financial contributions for the event can be made online by visiting imperialcourtsandiego.com
The fundraising events continue with the first ever Bunny Hop Tour which is designed to collect donations and starts Saturday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at Mo’s in Hillcrest working its way down University Avenue to Park Blvd., and ending the night at Numbers.
The following Saturday the tour starts at The Redwing on 30th Street in North Park at 7 p.m. Empress Candi Samples’ team of volunteers will be asking restaurant and bar owners for permission to stop by and ask patrons for donations.
Tuesday, March 28 the drive continues with the Easter Charity Bingo featuring the outrageous Nicole, Empress Candi Samples and Allen Spyere. This year $2,500 in prizes will be handed out to lucky Bingo winners! The event will be held at Bourbon Street on Park Blvd. in University Heights. Bingo begins at 8 p.m.
Finally Easter Sunday, March 31 the event will take place at Trolley Barn Park, located on Adams Avenue just east of Park Blvd., at noon. This is truly a wonderful day and all the hard work is rewarded by witnessing the smiling faces and excitement in the eyes of all the children.
This year’s very special honorary chair, first lady of San Diego, Bronwyn Ingram will host the event along with Nicole and Empress Candi Samples.
Cosponsors include Third District City Council President Todd Gloria and The LGBT Community Center.
The Imperial Court and Empress Candi Samples would like to thank everyone in advance for contributing their time, energy and resources to help make this year’s event the best one ever!
