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Saturday 3rd. July 2004 There may be a blue suede shoe ban on the golf fairways, but Lucan fans of the King and golf-lovers are eagerly looking forward to the now annual Elvis Presley Charity Golf Classic this August. The finishing touches are being made to this year's golf classic and gala concert at Citywest Golf and Leisure Centre and the date, Friday August 13th, isn't giving anyone a "suspicious mind". "The date should work for us because people always notice when Friday the 13th is coming up," says organiser George Twamley. George, Who hails from Finnstown in Lucan, is also the honorary secretary of the Irish Elvis Presley Fan Club. The group is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year and has always been involved in charity fundraising. "Elvis was renowned for his charity work and literally gave away millions of dollars during his career," say George"The fan club wanted to carry on that legacy and have fund raised for a number of groups." In the past few years, the fan club has put on shows to raise money for St John of God's Menni Services in Islandbridge. Meanwhile, St John's director, Kevin Whelan, was busy organising a golf classic each year. It seemed logical for the two groups to combine their efforts and last year the event raised an impressive €82,065 The money went towards establishing respite care for children with intellectual disabilities. St John of God's Menni Services are fundraising to build a respite centre in Tallagh. Its Islandbridge centre provides services for children all across the Lucan and Blanchardstown area and assists approximately 370 families. "Last year's event surpassed even our wildest expectations with 40 golf teams competing and 2000 people attending the concert" says George Twamley. "This year we're hoping to push through the 100,000 euro mark. We will have 70 golf teams this year, making it one of the biggest charity golf classics in Ireland. An obvious choice The idea to have Elvis as the figurehead of the golf classic was an obvious one, but hadn't been thought of before. "Most of the celebrity golf classics take place in the states-there's the Bob Hope and and Bing Crosby to name but a few," says George. "It's amazing that nobody thought of Elvis before now considering he was the biggest star ever to walk the planet." the Irish Elvis Presley Fan Club is permitted to use Elvis's name for their fundraising endeavors, which means they are not obliged to pay a licence fee to the Graceland Estate. The event is been held in august to commemorate the 27th. anniversary of Presley's death. "that anniversary is the biggest one for the fans each year" say's George. "We also mark his birthday in January but August is the bigger commemoration." As well as the golf classic, there is a spectacular show in the evening at Citywest featuring two of the country's biggest tribute acts, The Elvis Spectacular and Queen tribute show Flash Harry. Showbiz legend, Red Hurley, is set to appear and the Dublin gospel Choir will also perform. A charity auction, American vintage car display and raffles are also organised for the day. "Several business people have come on board as sponsors including main sponsor, Sharp Security," says George who credits fellow organisers Chris Sandford and Tom Mahony for putting this event together with him. There are still tickets left for the gala concert and a limited number of golf team places. FAST FACTS * St
John of God's, Menni Services is fundraising to build and fund a respite centre
at Exchange Hall in Tallaght for children with a intellectual disability
including those living in Lucan and Blanchardstown.
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