A Vegas Star For Elvis?

[Elvis.com]

Elvis Presley will be honored with a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. At least, that’s the goal of the Nevada based “Viva Las Vegas!” fan club The formal announcement and kick-off for "A Star for...

Link To Original Article (http://www.elvisnews.com/Presentation/Functional/Page/news.aspx?command=show&item=10379)

[LORRIELOVESELVIS]

MY FAMILY HAVE ALREADY MADE
OUR DONATION!!! IM PLANNING TO GO DOWN WHEN ITS PLACED... VIVA LAS VEGAS --WTG!!!!(y)

[Lonniebealestreet]

Yeah, that's what you call a no-brainer...getting the star, I mean.

[LORRIELOVESELVIS]

Yeah, that's what you call a no-brainer...getting the star, I mean.
LONG OVER DO FOR THIS STAR AN RESPECT!! HE MADE ALOT OF $$$$$ FOR THIS TOWN AND MADE ALOT OF PEOPLE RICH, I WONDER IF THE BIG SHOTS IN THE VEGAS HOTELS ARE GIVING UP ANY BUCKS TO THIS? OR THE FAMILY,--LOL*:hmm:;):D

[goodelvisgirl]

yep elvis was one of the biggest stars to perform in las vegas so its only right they give him a star of his own it recognises elvis and there appreciation for him and what he acheived

[vivalasvegas]

hello everyone,
i m new here.
i m the president of the viva las vegas epfc
and my club is the sponsor for the star.

since feb 28, we have raised almost $10,000, just with fan donations. isn't that a beautiful thing?:blush:

the walk of stars is a non profit organization. the stars need funding by donations and a sponsor.

in 2004, the walk committee approached EPE etc to offer them the opportunity to sponsor elvis' star. no reply was ever received.

then my club came along and contacted the LVWOS. the president of the walk of stars called me. he was very happy to hear that this elvis fan club was stepping up to sponsor elvis.

the club members and other star supporters have been working hard to get the word out and to collect donations. it's been a terrific grassroots effort.

we have donations from all over the states, plus canada, england, and sweden.

we are now on the downhill run, that last $5000!!!

the dedication ceremony is friday, sept 26. donors are automatically invited, but seating is limited.

wouldn't you like to contribute?
www.astarforelvis.com

any questions that you can't find the answers to at the site (there is a questions page), you can email me at astar4elvis@yahoo.com

thanks!:sun:

[elvislady]

I think he should be automatically given a star.
elvislady;)

[vivalasvegas]

how could he automatically be given a star? they cost $15,000.

the money isn't going to come from government money or vegas casinos or taxes (we have enough state funding problems) or epe or anyone else. so, it's only logical that it come from the fans.

the nomination list was approved in 2004. you betcha, elvis was on it. so, i guess you could call that automatic.

no star in any city, is paid for by the walk of stars or walk of fame. someone has to sponsor it. in hollywood, it's mostly the movie studios, for example.

in vegas, there is no one to sponsor these stars except those people, not a corporation, who want to put the work into it.

that's what the viva las vegas club is doing.:D

why wasn't elvis "automatic"? i ll explain again. and if you have an idea i can use to make this 'automatic' , i'm interested!

the walk of stars is a non- profit business. the funding for each star is from donations and sponsorship.

back in 2004 when the walk was started, the walk of stars contacted EPE, Priscilla, Sillerman, and there was no response in sponsoring elvis,
so the committee said, well, let's carry on with these other star applicants and hope someone comes along to sponsor elvis.
were they happy when they heard from me!

since feb 28, we have raised almost $10,000. from FANS. isn't that something? our philosophy is: if every fan gave $1 we would be done.

what do we get besides faith and donations? negativity about who should have done this, who is or is not involved, what should have happened, who should donate , and statements based on ignorance ; every kind of lame excuse to not support this. that is not productive, i think. i 'm trying my best to explain & respond to all of your objections. may i suggest that you really do need to visit the star site to learn more. maybe i'll never make sense to some of you. oh well....

we are now on the down hill slide of our campaign. yippee! if you believe in this project, we would welcome your contribution.

to read more about the star, to donate, or to answer ALL of your questions, please visit the website. a few minutes of your time will certainly be worth it. and if you choose to not donate, that's fine. i hope it's an informed decision. i just hope you understand how the star program works and what the viva club is trying to do.

www.astarforelvis.com

this campaign is a great fan driven project. maybe some of you out there would like to be a part of it. it certainly is something to be proud of-- to be a part of something like this.:king:

[cameron]

hello everyone,
i m new here.
i m the president of the viva las vegas epfc
and my club is the sponsor for the star.

since feb 28, we have raised almost $10,000, just with fan donations. isn't that a beautiful thing?:blush:

the walk of stars is a non profit organization. the stars need funding by donations and a sponsor.

in 2004, the walk committee approached EPE etc to offer them the opportunity to sponsor elvis' star. no reply was ever received.

then my club came along and contacted the LVWOS. the president of the walk of stars called me. he was very happy to hear that this elvis fan club was stepping up to sponsor elvis.

the club members and other star supporters have been working hard to get the word out and to collect donations. it's been a terrific grassroots effort.

we have donations from all over the states, plus canada, england, and sweden.

we are now on the downhill run, that last $5000!!!

the dedication ceremony is friday, sept 26. donors are automatically invited, but seating is limited.

wouldn't you like to contribute?
www.astarforelvis.com

any questions that you can't find the answers to at the site (there is a questions page), you can email me at astar4elvis@yahoo.com

thanks!:sun:

Well, thank you for all your efforts on Elvis' behalf. I'll pass this on.
Nice to meet you ! :)

[vivalasvegas]

thanks cameron,
glad to be here.(y)

[vivalasvegas]

oh, i forgot to say... we have a nice incentive for just a $25 donation. you can see it at the website. please visit, you'll be glad you did! :clap:

[john carpenter]

If i had my way there would be a statue of Elvis in New York city instead of The statue of Liberty. lol:lmfao::king::notworthy

[utmom2008]

back in 2004 when the walk was started, the walk of stars contacted EPE, Priscilla, Sillerman, and there was no response in sponsoring elvis,
so the committee said, well, let's carry on with these other star applicants and hope someone comes along to sponsor elvis.
were they happy when they heard from me!

Since the "obvious" candidates had no interest in helping with Elvis' star, I for one am VERY glad that you came along.(y)(y)
Welcome to TCB...we are glad you are here!!:D(y)

[goodelvisgirl]

yup its good to see people coming together and raising money to get him the star very well done to them for all there hard work i wonder why epe did not sponsor the star

[vivalasvegas]

john carpenter, i love the way you think! let's call it statue of rock n roll! ;)

everyone,

i m glad you see the way it didn't happen and the way it's happening now. i know there is a lot of wondering why, but i don't think we'll ever get the answer.

my club is concentrating on the positive, what makes this get DONE.
and the love we've seen for elvis has been awesome!

we just got a donation from Germany today. way cool!

[utmom2008]

Be sure and keep us up to speed..this sounds really great!!!(y)(y)(y)

[vivalasvegas]

one thing that is really cool about this walk is that las vegas has this chance to honor its history by naming entertainers, producers, hotel moguls, politicians, sports, military, & humanitarians.

the stars will be permanent. thank goodness, because the other thing we do with our history is blow it up!:lol:

so yes, having elvis honored, like the 25 stars before him, is the best thing this town can do. and i am grateful to the walk of stars organization for this.(y)

[vivalasvegas]

****GRAND ANNOUNCEMENT****

The donations received since Feb 28, 2008 for "A Star for Elvis"
Campaign now totals to: ***over $10,000!***

$10,003 to be exact. Over 2/3 of the way!

This is something for the "Viva Las Vegas" Club to be proud of (thank
you, members!) and gratitude goes out to all the promoters, donors,
fans, fan clubs, & ETAs who have contributed so much. What a beautiful
joint effort... We appreciate you! Thank you for your belief in this
project to honor Elvis Presley in Las Vegas.

We are now on the downhill run!

If you have made a pledge, even if you currently have only a portion
of it, I suggest you go ahead and send it in. That would continue the
momentum! You can always send in the difference at a later time.

If you have been waiting 'until the end', well, here we are!

We offer a Star Pin as an incentive for a minimum donation. The pins
are $5 if you donate at least $25. Stock is limited. For more
information: www.astarforelvis.com (http://www.astarforelvis.com)
The end is in sight, there is no doubt, Elvis' star is ON THE WAY.

All donors are invited to the dedication ceremony on Sept 26, but
seating is limited. If you are a donor and would like to attend,
please email: astar4elvis@yahoo.com
Final details to be determined.

ELVIS PRESLEY IS OUR "FLAMING STAR"! Thank you for your support.
:clap::sun:
Sue L
President, 'Viva Las Vegas' club
Coordinator, 'A Star for Elvis' campaign

[vivalasvegas]

i ve received great reviews on these pins. and yes, they have certainly motivated more donations.

still available!

and, if you donate $50 or more, TCB jewelry will send you a pair of sunglasses! (thanks to Artie, the owner)


time for the weekly update:

$10,848!!(y):clap::sun:

[goodelvisgirl]

waw you sure are making way with the funds now good luck keep us updated

[vivalasvegas]

time for an update:


thanks to a very generous donor, some fans, and a couple of fan clubs,
our new total is--

$12,025!

[vivalasvegas]

hi everyone

i am researching other honorary stars. i asked LVWOS about elvis' star in palm springs. below is the answer.
i am now waiting for an answer from the hollywood walk of fame.

this answers once and for all, where the money comes from to have these installed. they ain't free! someone has to come up with the funding.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

hello las vegas walk of stars:

i have been really curious about this and i hope you can answer.

who was the sponsor ie who paid for elvis' star in palm springs? wasn't that installed in 2003? and who sponsored col tom parker's?

i m researching how these programs work because the general public thinks they are free or something. :) i have had quite some resistance to donations and also ignorant demands from elvis fans as to how he should have received his star in Las Vegas.

Sue L


Dear Sue,

Greg McDonald, who was Ricky Nelson's manager, paid the stars for Elvis Presley, Col. Tom Parker and Ricky Nelson. All 3 stars were installed on March 26, 1994.

Best regards,

Bob

Robert Alexander
President
Las Vegas Walk of Stars

[elvisphile]

Does anyone know why Elvis On Tour has not come out on DVD. However, if I missed it where can I buy a copy... thanks

[vivalasvegas]

our update for june 23: $12,750!!! (up $725)

[Sattnin99]

Where in Vegas is the Walk of Fame ...? am going to Vegas in December lol;)

[vivalasvegas]

the walk of stars (not fame) is only 25 stars right now. it runs along las vegas blvd. it is not as evident as hollywood's walk of fame or palm springs, because those have 1000's of stars. for more info:

www.lasvegaswalkofstars.com

[Unchained Melody]

Vegas had never seen anything like Elvis before he came onto the scene and they never will again.

[TotallyInsane]

Vegas had never seen anything like Elvis before he came onto the scene and they never will again.

A new day - a new avatar!!! :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

[Unchained Melody]

A new day - a new avatar!!! :lmfao::lmfao::lmfao:

I'm so predictable aren't I.

[vivalasvegas]

Jun. 29, 2008
Copyright Las Vegas Review-Journal

NORM: Elvis fan club will have star its way

A local Elvis fan club isn't feeling a whole lot of love from the
Elvis Presley Estate.

The cold shoulder includes efforts to obtain a donation for Elvis'
celebrity star on Las Vegas Boulevard and silence as far as offering
input on where to install the star.

Letters were sent to everyone from Robert Sillerman, who purchased 85
percent of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2004 for $114 million, to
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley.

"We have heard nothing in response," said Sue Laurenz, head of the
Viva Las Vegas Club, the fundraising force behind getting Elvis a star.

The club has about $13,000 of the required $15,000.

"We're moving on. The fans have made it happen, and it's all fan
money," said Laurenz, adding that she's seen donations as small as $2
and $5.

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars announced last week that Elvis' star will
go in front of the Riviera on Sept. 26, the 27th star on the Strip.

Laurenz said Pete "Big Elvis" Vallee has been a saint in the effort,
frequently promoting the fundraising drive during his show at Bill's
Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. All the proceeds have been raised since Feb.
28, a good share from foreign countries through the Internet.

The Web site is www.astarforelvis.com. E-mail astar4elvis@yahoo.com
for more information.

As for the oft-asked question: Why the Riviera?

The Riviera, Laurenz noted, is the closest casino property to the
Hilton (then The International), where Elvis was a sensation from 1969
to 1977. She added that the county gave authorization to the Walk of
Stars only along Las Vegas Boulevard.

"For what it's worth, Elvis was with Liberace in November 1956 at the
Riv when those famous photographs were taken of the switched jackets
and instruments," Laurenz said.

Stars for Sammy Davis Jr. and Liberace are in front of the Riv, "and I
do believe Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin will be there, too. Elvis
will be among his friends, and that is pretty special."

[vivalasvegas]

our donation total this week is: $13,305!! (up $555)

less than $2000 to go!

[vivalasvegas]

our donation total this week is:

$13,720

(up $415)

[vivalasvegas]

here is the link:
http://www.lvweekly.com/blogs/debriefing/2008/jun/29/fleshing-out-presley-riv-co\
nnection/
(and see pictures, too!)

here is the article:
Fleshing out the photogenic Presley-Riviera connection

By John Katsilometes

The photos and accompanying video tell the story of the "who" �
Liberace and Elvis Presley, cavorting and mugging in each other's
attire (or at least jackets), even switching out their chosen
instruments. The shots are part of the lore for each entertainer, who
might have been more alike than different, given their gift of
showmanship. But the "where" in those photos is often lost � the
Riviera, which is where the King, who never sang a single note onstage
at the hotel, will be honored Sept. 26 by the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.
The Riviera, along with the Tropicana, is one of the few vintage
Vegas-styled hotel-casinos still standing on the Strip and is also
home to Sammy Davis Jr.'s star � another entertainer who never
performed there.

A more businesslike Elvis-Riv connection is Robert F.X. Sillerman,
chairman and chief executive officer of FX Real Estate and
Entertainment Inc. Conveniently, the company is the majority partner
in Elvis Presley Enterprises, and is also an investor in Riviera
Holdings Corporation � which owns the Riv. The company, which also
owns licensing rights to Muhammad Ali's name and image, is seeking to
develop about 18 acres of land on the southeast corner of the Strip
and Harmon Avenue, where it has been reported it hopes to build an
Elvis-themed hotel-casino. More

That hotel would be an ideal spot for the Elvis star, but the project
is a mere concept today, and the Vegas-based Viva Las Vegas Elvis
Presley Fan Club wants a star in place this fall. It helps that the
famed photos and video of Liberace and Elvis, a publicity stunt for
the ages, took place at the hotel on Nov. 14, 1956. Elvis was months
removed from his first stage appearances in Vegas, which were a
largely derided week's worth of performances at the Frontier (the
hotel lopped his scheduled two-week run because the older Vegas fans �
and older Vegas show reviewers � found the young entertainer a "bore"
and "uncouth," as the Sun reported at the time). Elvis took in a
Liberace performance at the Clover Room, later renamed the Versailles
Theatre, and in a piece of Vegas legend, afterward Liberace encouraged
the young Presley to glitz up his stage act and the two switched
jackets. The next year, at Liberace's urging, Presley slipped into a
gold-lame suit similar to Liberace's for the cover photo for the album
50,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong. (Go here for a look at Presley's
measurements for that suit.)

Three other hotels would have been logical sites for Presley's Vegas
star. The Aladdin, where he and Priscilla Presley were married in
1967, has morphed into Planet Hollywood; the Frontier has been
imploded; and the Las Vegas Hilton is not actually on the Strip, and
the Clark County Commission has authorized that these stars to be
place only on Las Vegas Boulevard. As they say in real estate, the key
is location, location, location.

>>>>>>
I was interviewed for this and provided the stage side picture. The journalist was pretty excited when I mentioned the picture. I think it helped him create a nice angle for the Star article he was assigned to write. He did a nice job! (I think) Check out the star site for pictures of the Riv and where Elvis' star is gonna go.

[vivalasvegas]

A Star for Elvis -- CAMPAIGN GOAL MET
"A STAR FOR ELVIS" CAMPAIGN ENDS - OVER $15,000 RAISED

July 31, 2008: The “Viva Las Vegas!” Elvis Presley Fan Club is happy to announce that the fund raising goal has been met for its “A Star for Elvis” Campaign – to install a star honoring Elvis Presley on the “Las Vegas Walk of Stars”. How appropriate an announcement for the 39th anniversary of the day Elvis returned to the stage at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.

Since February 28, in only 5 months, donations have been collected totaling over $15,000. The $15,000 total has been verified by Mr Robert Alexander, the President of the LVWOS. Any overage will be donated to the club’s designated charity, St Jude’s Ranch for Abused Children, in Boulder City NV. (This is no relation to the hospital in Memphis.)

The star will be unveiled during a ceremony on Friday, Sept 26. The invitee list is limited to donors and VIPs. The star itself will be installed a few days later, in front of the Riviera, next to Liberace’s star. The Riviera is the closest casino on Las Vegas Blvd to the Hilton, concert home to Elvis Presley.

We thank all the friends, fans, and tribute artists who have donated their funds, energy, and time to this endeavor. These fans should certainly feel proud of themselves! We also would like to specifically acknowledge the following Elvis friends for their donations and support: Sonny West, Kathy Westmoreland, Sandi Miller, Jon Patino, and Darlene Tompkins. We appreciate every dollar that has been given.

The campaign would not have been as wonderful and successful without the following: We give special thanks to Sandi Pichon for spreading the word to her many friends and contacts in the Elvis world, to Sue McCasland for providing the Star pins for donors, and to Artie Dadyan for providing Elvis-style sunglasses as a donor incentive. Immense gratitude goes out to local Elvis Tribute Artist Peter Vallee and his staff, and his manager Lucille Star, for promoting and representing the Elvis Star Campaign.

All the funds donated were by fans and friends of Elvis Presley. There was no assistance by any corporation. Once again, Elvis fans have demonstrated their love and support for “The King of Rock and Roll.”

Personally, I have many to thank. Once again I want to state my appreciation for the inspiration of the Bobby Darin Star Fund Project and his fans. I thank my star advisors, the club board of directors, and the members of the Viva Las Vegas Club for their incredible and unwavering support. And, I dedicate my effort to the memory of Janelle McComb and her work to build the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel in Tupelo. Her spirit was a great influence and encouragement to me during this campaign.

Elvis is our 'Flaming Star' !

Sue L
President, Viva Las Vegas! Club www.vivalasvegasclub.net
Sponsor of the Elvis Presley Star www.astarforelvis.com

[beckelvis]

i´m glad,ELVIS walking in las vegas(y)