One of the reasons that King Ryan Radio was chosen as the name of this community is an homage to Elvis Presley, The King of Rock 'n Roll. Elvis has been a hot topic again this year 45 years after his death because of Baz Luhrman's Biopic. You can see the trailer here:
One of the themes of this story is Elvis Aaron Presley's giving nature. He almost gave to a fault, but it's one of Elvis' most endearing qualities. Wherever he went, The King of Rock gave something to somebody and his philanthropy was unmatched for the time.
Elvis gave over 200 Cadillacs out in his lifetime. He did it to see the joy in people's eyes. Even with all his faults, Elvis always wanted to make people happy. As he skyrocketed to fame, The King of Rock 'n Roll partnered with the American Cancer Society, the American Library Association, March of Dimes, and the USS Arizona Memorial just to name a few. Elvis also took the Polio vaccine on live television to prove its safety to many leary Americans. Just six months after Elvis was vaccinated, the American Polio vaccination rate rose from 30% to 80% and stopped a deadly disease in its tracks.
While performing his 3rd appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, Elvis asked that funds be raised for Hungarians who were affected by the Soviet invasion of the time. With that one request, over $6 million dollars were raised through the American Red Cross and sent to Hungary. In today's money that is roughly $63,373,024. Elvis also appeared at a Danny Thomas fundraiser circa 1957 which raised enough funds to build what we know today as St Jude's Hospital. The King also donated the many stuffed animals he received from fans across the world to children at Memphis area hospitals.
Elvis gave so much that this blog would be so long you wouldn't keep reading. I will keep it short though.
One of the last charitable things Elvis did was in 1975. He gave a concert in Jackson Mississippi that raised over $100,000.00 for victims of a tornado. Elvis also gave his close friend, Jerry Schilling, a home and gave many fans jewelry and scarves throughout his performances. Many people have seen him hand a lady a scarf and the lady almost faint from over jubilation.
After Elvis's untimely demise, the EP Charitable Foundation was formed. The Graceland website gives this description,
"Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation
The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation* (EPCF) was formed by Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in 1984 to continue Elvis' own tradition of generosity and community service and to honor his memory. The EPCF is overseen by the management team of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation is a separate, purely philanthropic 501(c)3 charitable organization. The staff operates the foundation in addition to their regular responsibilities and the company underwrites all the EPCF’s administrative expenses. Therefore, all the EPCF's funds are used for charitable donations, with nothing deducted for staffing or any other costs of operating the foundation. The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation receives a portion of the overall business income of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, with additional funding from the company’s royalties on specially licensed products and from special benefit events the company stages. A meaningful amount of the EPCF’s funding also comes from donations made by Elvis fan clubs and individual Elvis fans and admirers from around the world. The EPCF created the Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship Fund at the College of Communication & Fine Arts at the University of Memphis to assist students majoring in areas that relate to Elvis' own career: music, film, television, theater, etc. The EPCF also has a long-standing relationship with one of Elvis' favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF has also quietly assisted numerous other charities through the years, especially focusing on arts, education, and children's programs. *The Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation was first known as the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation. In 1999 its name was changed to clarify its identity and purpose."
If you agree with what the EP Charitable Foundation is doing, you may make a donation here: https://www.graceland.com/epcf-donate
I read somewhere that Lisa Marie started and ran this foundation in honor of her father. I began writing this blog prior to Lisa's untimely passing and am in mourning for the King's family at the moment. Lisa Marie will be laid to rest tomorrow, Sunday, January 22, 2023, @ 9 a.m. Across from her dad lying in Graceland's meditation garden. The outpouring of love for the family has been similar to when Elvis Aaron Presley passed on August 16th, 1977.
If you want to virtually attend Lisa Marie Presley's Memorial Service, read this article with instructions on how to do so: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-01-21/lisa-marie-presley-graceland-memorial-service-how-to-watch
Lisa Marie's memorial is another way to give to the EP Charitable Foundation.
The reason I point out the EP Charitable Foundation and the passing of these souls is that unlike what Shakespeare said via Marc Anthony. The good that people do - DOES - live on after them. My hope in life is that I make such a huge impact on this world that after I am gone, people will continue to do great things for others in remembrance of me. Or even more so, in remembrance of Him, Jesus - The One True King.
For more shoutouts of generosity or if you want to create a space to state Who I AM, check out www.kingryanradio.net where King Ryan Radio's mission is to empower individuals in the advancement of equal and equitable communities that serve all citizens through sharing ideas and promoting organizations that meet this need.
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