current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!

by China Doll
Houston, Texas

For a long time people have asked me how I got my name "China Doll." I always tell them that it was a name given to me by one of the most influential drag queens in the Miss Camp America Foundation (MCAF), during a benifit hosted by Rich's. I was very honored to take that name as a part of me. Miss Camp America Pageant is one of the organizations here in Houston that really has a lot of meaning in both the straight and Gay world. Today, I would like to run down a list of wonderful things that this organization, which has so much meaning and whose volunteers touch thousands of people day in and day out, has given us.

Miss Camp America Pageant was founded in 1969. MCAF has been a 501(c)(3) Texas nonprofit corporation since June 1992. Its mission is to provide relief to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, and its accomplishments have been recognized by many such as Gov. Ann Richards, Gov. George W. Bush, Mayor Bob Lanier and the Miss America Organization. Since becoming a 501 (c)(3) Corp., the organization hjas donated over $289,000 to its selected charities.

Just as every event has a history or background, doing drag is more than just putting on a face and going out to perform-especially for those volunteers whose donations of hours and talent for local charitable organizations have made Miss Camp America such a success. Just consider their most significant fundraiser: the Miss Camp America Pageant, an infamous spoof of the Miss America Pageant. Talent, swimwear, evening gown presentations, cast production numbers, and the most creative hair ever seen on stage provide an audience of 1,400 to 1,800 people with an evening of fun, laughter, dancing, oversized wigs, headpieces, and outrageous costumes.

Some of the awards that the MCAF has received are: the1992 Pride Award-Promoting through Entertainment Ensemble, Promoting Pride and Gaiety through a Community Organization/Event; the 1993 Rhinestone Collar Award-Pet Patrol Clients, Volunteers, and Furry Friends; the 1994 Colt 45's-Danny Villa Award; the 1996 Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus-Namoi Sims Award; the 1996 Body Positive-Civic Organization Award; and, 1997 Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus-Service Award.

The kick-off benefit for the 30th anniversary Miss Camp America pageant-"Spice Up Your Life"-is scheduled for Sun., Aug. 16, from 5-7pm at the Houston Gay and Lesbian Community Center, 803 Hawthorne. Tickets for the pageant will be available for sale. So come on out-it's for a good cause!! Some of the previous beneficiaries of MCAF have included: AIDS Foundation-Stone Soup; The Assistance Fund; Bering Care Center; Bering Dental Clinic; Body Positive; Colt 45's AIDS Trouble Fund; Montrose Clinid-Frost Eye Clinic; the Houston Names Project; Pet Patrol; and PWA Coalition of Houston. Their 1998 Designated Charities are-The Assistance Fund, Bering Dental Clinic, Casa de Esperanza, Montrose Clinic-Frost Eye Clinic, The Names Project, PWA Holiday Charities, Steven's House, and Texas Children's-Camp Hope. This year Miss Camp America will be held at Cullen Hall. For more information please contact Philip Haynes @ 713.661.4722, Harold Myrick @ 713.669.0888; or, Pat Petty @ 713.664.2232.

Tickets for the pageant are currently on sale. (Order now and avoid the service charges. Visa/MC accepted.) Call 713.940.STAR and leave a message, or call Bob Skinner at 713.960.1361.

current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!