Elvis was in the building Saturday evening for the Viva Las Vegas themed party hosted by the 2010 Junior Service League Provisional Class. Transforming the JSL headquarters on Crysler Avenue into a kitschy Vegas nightclub, the 12 members of the class put on a party that will not be soon forgotten or outdone.
Attracting a capacity crowd to the Club House, the class masterfully combined the glitz of Vegas with the Southern charm of Elvis Presley to create an atmosphere that was both electrifying and welcoming.
The buffet dinner featured Elvis’s favorite fare of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans and a delicious birthday cake in honor of the King’s 75th birthday.
A specialty cocktail concocted by the Provisional Class sparkled pinkly in the commemorative bejeweled glass. Members of the women’s service club and friends in the community contributed items to the small silent auction which boasted a variety of specialized items including a handcrafted “Wear a Flower” handbag filled with Elvis-inspired items donated by Marilyn Wear, a Super Bowl Party package, tickets to local events including Mavericks games and movies and gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses.
The highlight of the evening event was a performance by local Elvis tribute artist Bobby Simkins. Fresh off of his win as the People’s Choice at the Memphis Image of the King competition, Simkins brought his particular brand of Elvis performance to the party. Engaging the crowd of more than 150 guests Simkins displayed his mastery of the Presley songbook, drawing on rock ‘n roll, country and gospel classics.
The Provisional Class was innovative in its fundraising efforts, hawking raffle tickets, promoting the silent auction and offering a cash prize to the winner of the Elvis trivia contest.
But the night’s most memorable moments came from the song dedications that were available for purchase. As Simkins wound down his set, members of the gathering were invited “on stage” for special serenades by the King.
Members of the 2010 Provisional Class Janette Barron, Chrissy Durham, Mindi Finke, Kathryn Harvel, Vonnie Hohensinner, Rachel Hollinbeck, Regina Lalla, Casey Nagel, Angela Penrod, Natalie Sevy, Terri Steele and Krisi Ward executed one of the most successful JSL parties in memory. The goal of the event billed as “Hunka-Hunka Burnin’ Mortgage” was to raise enough money to retire the debt JSL currently holds for the renovation of the Club House which was completed in 2007.
