Reign VIII

Emperor VIII

The Stallion Emperor

Jim Ash

Empress VIII 

Annie Brenman

The Seraph Empress

The eighth reign brought about some changes to the court, and the city chose as their agents of change Emperor and Empress VIII, Jim Ash and Annie Brenman-West. As the Gay Communities premier news periodical, OUTFRONT said, Pert and pretty Empress Annie, the first woman to hold the coveted title in the Imperial Court, distinguishes her office with style and dignity and by making decisions that reflect common sense. Emperor Jim brought a new direction and flash for the male side of the monarchy. No Emperor in Denver, before or since, has displayed his individuality with as much pizzazz and flamboyance as did the eighth Emperor. Under the eighth Reign, a new governing body took shape in the formation of a twelve member Advisory Council. Out of this council came the requirement of function accountability with report sheets to be filled out and turned in after each function held by a court member. The Courts by-laws, were examined and updated in depth. Court members' attendance at Court functions was tracked for purposes of gauging Court involvement.

During the eighth Reign, the Empresss Touch of Class show became a Gay Pride Event. Jim and Annie were the first monarchs to have a non-gay publication cover their Coronation (Rocky Mountain Business Journal, Mar. 31, 1982, Issue). The energy of the eighth reign was evident in their major functions. The PR Ball was really a dinner and show, held at the Fuji En. It carried the theme of Sayonara. Snowball was a Christmas Affair & Carnival, with a magic show and organizational booths held at Rossis Catering Hall. The King of Hearts ball went sports-minded, with Campaign Kick-Off, a football inspired theme also held at Rossis.

The energy and electricity of the monarchs was further upheald by their lines of succession. For Annie, Princess Royale was Janelle Neiman; Queen Mother (for life) Pearl DeVere; Czarina, Brandy Dennison; Marquessa, Jay Sutherland. For Jim, the Prince Royale was Hal Reidemann; King Father (for life), Ron Heath; Grand Duke, Chuck Fugita; Czar, Chuck Bates; and Marquis, Steve Anger. Brandy Dennison was made the Imperial Butterfly Princess for Life by Annie, while Jim gave his permanent title to Missy of L.A. as Empress of Empresses for Life.

Amid one of the most spectacular sets Denver has ever had, Egypt  Pharaohs in Time at the Denver Radisson, the eighth Reign went to glory and the ninth Reign began its journey.

Empress VIII, Annie Brenman-West, is the only member of the Eighth Reign who has remained actively involved with ICRME.  Besides coordinating many Coronations and putting together numerous programs and selling advertising for them, her focus has been working with the White Rose Scholarship Committee.  Annie was the first empress to have a college degree when she was empress and is fully committed to encouraging every one to continue their education beyond high school.

 

Education is the most important investment we can make in ourselves for the future.  An education beyond high school can leverage someone's earning potential by more than a million dollars in their lifetime.  Any help that we, the White Rose Scholarship Committee, can do will impact the future of whom ever we help.

 

During the 20th Anniversary of the Eighth Reign, Annie helped to establish the Cressy-West Endowment Fund, by contributing $2000.00 as seed money. She worked tirelessly to find a professional, non-profit money manager to place the funds with. The Giving First organization not only manages our funds, but they work with ICRME/WRSF to grow the funds.  It is our hope to draw money off the fund for scholarships soon.

Empress VIII 

Annie Brenman

The Seraph Empress

Emperor VIII 

Jim Ash

The Stallion Emperor