Raise money for seniors by seeing this popular Elvis tribute artist in Ionia

IONIA — A fundraiser for the Ionia County Commission on Aging features a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis Presley tribute artist Jake Slater will perform Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Ionia Theatre, 205 W. Main St. in downtown Ionia. Doors open at 3 p.m. with a silent auction of Elvis collectibles. The show begins at 4 p.m. Slater will be joined by the John Ramses Band.

The performance is a fundraiser for the Ionia County Commission on Aging. Carol Hanulcik, who serves as the agency’s director, said Slater first performed at the COA as Elvis during a congregate dinner in 2017.

The shows grew popular, reaching capacity at the center at 115 Hudson St. The event moved to the Ionia Theatre for a performance in June 2022. The theater is fully accessible.

“The large theater has ample space for people to stretch out,” Hanulcik said. “It’s a gorgeous facility with accessible bathrooms. … It’s a wonderful place to hold an event like this and really get in a large crowd.”

Slater is an award-winning Elvis tribute artist from Bellaire who’s performed around the U.S. and Canada.

Linda Ciangi, an Ionia resident and longtime Elvis fan, helped bring Slater to the COA. She noted Slater is like Elvis on and off stage, making time to talk to fans and take pictures after the show.

“The music was always so special, and it still is,” Ciangi said.

Ciangi said the new “Elvis” film has introduced the cultural figure to a new generation of fans.

“Since the movie’s been out, more young people have taken an interest and want to know more about him,” Ciangi said. “Jake does such a good job.”

Hanulcik said the fundraiser supports the COA’s mission to strengthen the well-being of all Ionia County seniors. The COA will also host a “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” on Sunday, Oct. 8, to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We’re always looking for new ways to do fundraisers,” Hanulcik said.

COA services include meal delivery, in-home services, transportation, wellness programs, congregate meals and senior center activities. The COA can be reached by calling 616-527-5365.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Mick Jagger John & Yoko’s Elvis Presley & Priscilla Presley