Elvis Day benefits Children's Hospital

It has been more than 30 years since Elvis Presley died, yet he remains one of the most-beloved entertainers even today.

Fans of The King can once again enjoy his music at the fifth annual Elvis Day on Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Sheffield.

Members of the Today, Tomorrow and Forever Elvis Fan Club of Alabama present the event each year to commemorate Elvis's three appearances in Sheffield on his way to international stardom.

The all-day music celebration features 18 Elvis Tribute artists from around the country and two special guest entertainers. They will rock and roll from 10:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. in a family-friendly tribute to The King of Rock and Roll

In keeping with the spirit of Elvis - whose generosity to numerous charities was legendary - the proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Children's Hospital of Alabama, which recorded more than 23,000 visits from North Alabama children in 2008 alone.

Katie Sassin of Tuscumbia, is one of those children. Her mother remembers their first visity to Children's Hospital in Birmingham. It was there, on Sept. 11, 2008 that the Sassins first heard of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a cancer of the blood in which malignant, immature white blood cells continuously multiply until they crowd out the normal cells. Under the care of Dr. Stuart Cramer, she began extensive chemotherapy, traveling to Birmingham on a weekly basis to wage her own heroic battle.

"Children's Hospital means so much to our family," said Marie Sassin. "It becomes like a second home. When Katelyn was admitted for two weeks with an infection, everyone was so kind and helpful. They make it as fun as possible for children to be in a hospital and just as comfortable for the family members to stay there. Children's Hospital is and will forever be a big part of our lives."

Elvis Day to benefit the hospital is fitting.

"I think Elvis would be proud to know that his music still has the power to move people after all these years," said Rene Gilliland, North Alabama regional coordinator for Children's Hospital. "We hope all Elvis fans will come out to celebrate this great entertainer, for a great cause."

For more information on Elvis Day, including information about the performers, pictures of Elvis, ticket prices, and more information, visit freewebs.com/bigep.