Thomas Kinkade Wolfchase Gallery - Memphis - The Light and the Legend Event

THE LIGHT AND THE LEGEND EVENT

Thomas Kinkade and Priscilla Presley at Graceland^®

      Memphis, TN: (April, 12, 2007) – Thomas Kinkade, the artist known as the “Painter of Light^™,” was in Memphis on March 24th to unveil his new release “Graceland 50th Anniversary”. Through the live auction of a hand-drawn sketch on a Limited Edition canvas, Mr. Kinkade raised $25,000 for the Presley Place^®. Local gallery owners Tammy and Tommy Ashker have also made a $5,000 donation to support Presley Place.

      Thomas Kinkade was selected by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) to create a commemorative painting of Graceland in celebration of Elvis Presley’s purchase of the historic home 50 years ago and to celebrate the 25 years that Graceland has been open to the public. Thomas Kinkade was thrilled to be a part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, stating: “It is the personal connection that people feel to Elvis and the joy his music brings that keep people coming to Graceland. My painting will capture that spirit and provide the people who love Elvis with a visual reminder of how he used his God-given talent to bring joy to millions.”

      Presley Place®, part of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, provides homeless families rent-free housing, child day care, career and financial counseling, family management guidance and other tools to help them break the cycle of poverty and regain self-esteem and independence.
      “Elvis is an American icon who has inspired millions of people. It is only fitting that America’s most-collected artist commemorate his life and his legacy with this painting,” says Tommy Ashker, owner of Thomas Kinkade Gallery at Wolfchase Galleria. “The support shown by Elvis and Thomas Kinkade fans alike has been overwhelming to say the least,” stated Ashker.

      Thomas Kinkade’s partnership with the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation adds to a long list of charitable foundations he has supported throughout his career. Mr. Kinkade has helped raise millions of dollars for charities around the world, including the Points of Light Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, World Vision, the Salvation Army, The San Francisco Giants Community Fund, and Art for Children Charities. Thomas Kinkade’s ambition to spread light and joy into the homes of others has resulted in his success as the most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information about Thomas Kinkade, please visit www.ThomasKinkadeMemphis.com.

      Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market® under the ticker symbol "CKXE." Also visit www.ckx.com.

Elvis^®, Elvis Presley^® and Graceland^®
are registered trademarks of
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.