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Poison Waters Poison Waters is not just a
personality, Poison Waters is an experience. Hundreds of thousands have
enjoyed the one of a kind entertainment and dynamic presence that only
Poison Waters can provide. Nearly two decades young, the Poison Waters
experience continues to grow and update itself with our ever changing times,
while holding tight the unique qualities that this Community Leader has
become synonymous with: Dedication, Passion, Humor, Joy and Positive Light! |
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Condensed Biography Rose Empress XLIV Poison Waters, Portland, Oregon
A Community Leader synonymous with: Dedication, Passion,
Humor, Joy and Positive Light! Since the age of 20, Poison Waters, a.k.a. Kevin Cook, has held numerous titles in Portland, Oregon, including Rosebud XIII, La Femme Magnifique International 1992-1993, Sterling Rose Princess XXV and Rose Empress XLIV of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court.
For two decades, she has entertained on countless stages,
coordinated, participated in and hosted an endless docket of benefits,
revues and shows for various local, regional and national charities. For her tireless contributions, Poison has been honored with the Ray C. Snively Award, The Oregon Bears Presidents Award, Entertainer of the Year, and the Red Ribbon Award from the Coalition for AIDS Awareness. An entertainer in high demand, Poison has hosted events such as Art for Life, AIDSWalk, Peacock in the Park, The Light a Fire Awards, the Q Center Halloween Spooktacular, Charitable Single’s Auctions at both Sak’s 5th Avenue and Nordstrom, the Project Runway Fashion show at Macy’s and the Subaru auto & fashion show in Portland’s Historic Union Station, to name a few. The American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House, the Oregon Humane Society, Cascade AIDS Project, Make A Wish Foundation, SHARE Project, Camp Starlight, The Library Guild Foundation, Q Center, Audria M. Edwards Scholarship Fund and Basic Rights Oregon were just a sampling of the many local non profit groups that benefited from these exciting events. In 2006, Poison happily joined the Executive level of Camp Starlight’s Planning Commission adding to her already full plate as board of director’s member of Cascade AIDS Project, Peacock Productions, Inc. and the LaFemme Magnifique Board of Governors. The invitations to speak, appear, perform and host never stopped coming in 2007. Seattle Metropolitan magazine and Portland Monthly magazine both utilized Poison’s talents in their recent over the top fundraisers for the Make a Wish Foundation and shows for Oregon State University and The Human Dignity Coalition, the Queen City Cruise and The Children with AIDS Show rounded out the last few months of her 2007 calendar. In October of 2007, Poison became the first drag queen in the Western United States to be featured weekly on a mainstream radio show! 2008 proves to be another dynamic year in Poison’s history, marking 20 years of entertaining and community service; she is humbled and honored to have been selected as a Jose Honor Award recipient. Poison Waters is the Executive Assistant to the Publisher of Portland Monthly, Portland Monthly Bride & Groom, Seattle Metropolitan, Seattle Metropolitan Bride& Groom and Portland Spaces Magazines. When she is not donating her time for a fundraiser or traveling the globe, she entertains at the legendary Darcelle XV Showplace. Whatever the title, event, cause or venue, one thing remains the same: the instant bond between Poison Waters and her audience members. So, if the opportunity ever arises, come and see “the smile on the face of Portland”, Rose Empress XLIV Poison Waters. Perhaps you’ve heard of her?
Extended Biography
Poison Waters, a.k.a. Kevin Cook, is one of Portland, Oregon’s premier
entertainers. At the age of 20, she won the title of Rosebud XIII, the
oldest underage gay and lesbian title in the country. Since then, Poison has
performed on every stage in town. The spotlight hungry Poison has
participated in and hosted an endless docket of benefits, revues and shows
for various local and regional charities.
Together with her Emperor ShelleY, Poison reigned
over the City of Roses as "The Passion of the Rose". Their Most Imperial
Majesties worked to ignite the "passion" within the community. Their
absolutely contagious message of "Positive and Perky" has inspired new
growth within the Rose Court and continues to build bridges between the Rose
Court and the many other organizations within the community. During their
reign, ShelleY and Poison helped lead the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court to
raise more than $40,000.00 for
various local charities. In February of 2004, Poison ended her three season run as the Hostess of the GALA (Gay & Lesbian Audience) Night for Portland Center Stage, it was a rewarding experience and she was a welcomed addition to the Portland Theater Community. Two months later she also brought to an end, the "Church of the Poison Mind", her Sunday afternoon party that brought happiness and entertainment to the Community for 4 1/2 years at the Silverado. In the Spring
of 04, Poison was honored to be invited to Honolulu, Hawaii to MC the
Island’s La Femme Magnifique Pageant. The connection was so great, she’s
been back each year, enjoying the growing success of the pageant and
cultivating friendships and working relationships. In August, Poison Waters teamed up with FOX Q13 and Seattle Metropolitan to host their Singles Auction fundraiser for the non profit group On the Boards. The sold out event was held in the Nordstrom flagship store in Seattle, who for the first time ever, turned three of its floors into a nightclub for the evening. While Poison continues to appear at the popular Darcelle XV showplace, she was honored to be asked to take over for Darcelle herself while the legendary performer took 3 months off for knee surgery. Poison also re-joined the board of directors for the Cascade AIDS Project and held her seat on the board of directors for Peacock Productions/ AME Scholarship Fund. The Oregonian ended the year nicely using Poison/Kevin as one of their shopping ambassadors, proving Portland shoppers valuable advice and insight to the current holiday shopping season! Finally, in 2006, Poison happily joined the Executive level of Camp Starlight’s Planning Commission. Full time planning, fund raising and recruiting combined with overseeing policy and programming added a lot to Poison’s plate, but the HIV kids camp she first volunteered for in 2001 has a strong enough hold on her heart, the added duties are welcomed. 2007 has been another dynamic year in Poison’s history. This year marked 19 years of entertaining and community service. The invitations to speak, appear, perform and host never stop coming in. The regional publishing world has taken hold of Miss Waters to host many events! Seattle Metropolitan and Portland Monthly both utilized Poison’s talents in their over the top fundraisers for the Make a Wish Foundation, where thousands of dollars were raised in both markets for this amazing organization! Poison was lucky to work with Alaska Airlines and Verizon Wireless on these two fantastic events! When the new publication Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom launched in 07, Poison was on hand and also for the newest title in Portland, Portland Spaces (the places we call home). Poison again produced and starred in her unique show for both Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon and The Human Dignity Coalition in Bend, Oregon. These two popular fundraisers were both sold out and a definite highlight to Poison’s calendar! She also jumped at the chance to once again entertain the many people on board the Queen City Cruise in Seattle with the Tacky Tourist Clubs of America! The Children with AIDS Show in Tri Cities, Washington celebrated it’s 10th Anniversary and invited Poison to appear and speak on behalf of Camp Starlight. In the autumn of this year, Poison was brought on to make a weekly appearance on Portland’s most popular radio station, Movin 107.5 with DJ Stacey Lynn. Poison is the first drag queen in the Western United States to be featured weekly on a mainstream radio show! The phones light up when Poison speaks! Looking ahead to 2008, Poison is very excited to celebrate her 20th Anniversary as an entertainer and spokes person, and also the 10th Anniversary of Camp Starlight! There are many organizations that will benefit from Poison’s time and talents in the coming year, and many, many audiences will enjoy her charm, wit and beauty! Maybe YOU will be there along the way? Whatever the title, whatever the event, cause or venue, one thing remains the same: the instant bond between Poison Waters and her audience members. So, if the opportunity ever arises, come and see “the smile on the face of Portland”, Poison Waters. Perhaps you’ve heard of her?
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