1976 Elvis Presley American Heart Association Award Given to Him on Stage During His Final Las Vegas Concert December 12, 1976

During Elvis Presley's final performance at the Las Vegas Hilton, a representative from the Las Vegas American Heart Association (AHA) presented him with the offered plaque to thank him for the all the money that had been raised for the foundation during that week of shows. It was December 12, 1976, and on recordings of the concert, Elvis actually stops to show the crowd the plaque and talk about the fact that $17,000 had been raised to that point (watch video presented here). Furthermore, the photo presented here shows Elvis holding this plaque during those moments of the show--you can actually see the text as it is engraved on the award!

The accompanying letter from AHA executive Arthur Conner details the event, and reads in part:

I was supposed to give it to him after the show but got so caught up in the moment that I was able to present him the gift at the side of the stage. He briefly stopped the show and thanked me for the plaque...After the show, we went down the stage elevator to meet him at his dressing room. He had several people there outside waiting for him. I waited for The Colonel to officially introduce me after he leaned into him. Elvis immediately went inside his dressing room and came back with a black case. He reached inside and handed me several items including a diamond music note ring, 3 carat box car diamond ring and a pair of his sunglasses...Tom returned the plaque to me that I presented to Elvis and requested a few changes be made. I chose ot have another plaque made and returned to his offices.

Connor mentions how he was asked to make some changes to the award and provide a new one, which explains why he still had the offered plaque years later. We can surmise that the updated version said "ELVIS & THE COLONEL" instead of just "ELVIS" at the top--but that's just an educated guess! At the top of the award next to a large medallion with the AHA logo is simply "ELVIS,' and the plaque below reads "With Deepest Gratitude For your Outstanding Contribution Toward the Conquest of Heart Disease / American Heart Association Nevada Affiliate 1976." Also included is a CD of the concert called Black Diamond, a reference to Elvis discussing his "birthstone". The moment when the offered award can be heard clearly between two songs early in the set. The award measures 9 x 12 inches and presents in Near Mint condition.