Elvis was a blood donor and a Red Crosser.
Tonight, Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, TN will officially begin the holiday season tonight by flipping the switch for the annual lighting celebration with the traditional lights and decorations on the 13.8 acre mansion property. You can watch the whole thing happen on the Graceland Cam.
The event this year will also support the American Red Cross, with the Bloodmobile on site as part of an awareness campaign to encourage the public to donate blood during the holidays, a historically critical time for blood inventory. During his lifetime, Elvis supported the Red Cross and frequently donated blood while in the Army.
Highlighting the 2010 lighting ceremony will be Lee DeWyze, winner of the ninth season of American Idol, who will join with a Red Cross blood recipient and “flip the switch” to officially light the Graceland property and kick off the holiday festivities.
The interiors of Graceland mansion will also be decked in Elvis’ Christmas decor. Included will be his traditional red velvet drapes as well as Presley family Christmas artifacts on display around several trees throughout the home.
Other resources:
>> Send a holiday card to a service member
>> Give blood