Video: Elvis Fan Club Raises Money For Students in Need

[syndicaster id=’5651722′]

FULTON, MISS. (WCBI) – A  local Elvis fan club raises money for needy students as part of an annual charity dinner. As WCBI’s Allie Martin reports, it was a rare opportunity to hear from some who have unique ties to the entertainer who changed the face and sound of American music.

The commons area at Itawamba Agricultural High School was packed with Elvis fans who were not only attending a dinner and concert, but were also helping needy students as part of the second annual IAHS Moody Blues Fan Club Charity Dinner.

“Most people know Elvis the entertainer, they don’t know about Elvis the man. He did so many things people don’t know about, of course they know about the Cadillacs and the houses, but the medical bills he paid for ,the educational help he gave so many different people,” said Lori McGee Holland, Founder of the IAHS Moody Blues Fan Club.

Proceeds from the dinner and auction will help students at IAHS with registration fees for contests, school supplies or other needs.

Fan club members, and students in ICC’s nursing program helped serve guests, and clean up. They say it’s a privilege to volunteer and be a part of the event.

“It’s such an inspiration, they are so involved, we have interest groups and it is by far one of the best interest groups, because there’s a purpose behind it,” said IAHS Sophomore Destiny Baswell.

One of the guest speakers was Marian Cocke, Elvis’ personal nurse for the last two years of his life.

“I want them to know his goodness and his human heart and the fact that he loved doing for other people because that’s what he spent his whole life doing, he had the ability to sing and he always gave God the credit for the talent he had in singing, then he felt he had so much he needed to share it with others,” Cocke said.

Elvis’ cousin, Mackey Hargett shared some memories of spending 20 plus years at Graceland, and there was a surprise duet between country singer Ronnie McDowell and IAHS Principal Trey Wiygul.

Former Turner Television Network executive Tom Brown hosted the event and says people of all ages relate to Elvis’ generosity and humble beginnings.

“There was something special and I think the most amazing testament to that is to look around here tonight and see all the kids in high school that were born in the late 90s and they love Elvis and there’s been some reason, something through the years that’s reached out to young people.”

The charity dinner raised more than $13,000 for needy students.

The Fulton charity dinner was patterned after one that Elvis’ nurse holds each year in Memphis.