Carport sale to fund SEMO scholarships

Old Town Cape is on the verge of endowing an annual scholarship for Southeast Missouri State University students. Eligible students will show a connection to Cape Girardeau merchants either through part-time work in the area or other involvement.

Old Twon Cape merchants will hold a carport sale, where they hope to earn enough selling used books and other items to endow the scholarship for the first time. The sale will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at 1030 N. Henderson Ave.

Similar to other events held by the merchants, there will be no price tags. Instead, buyers are encouraged to make an appropriate donation.

"There won't be price tags put on anything and all donations will be tax-deductible," said Jennie Cooper, a retired professor of English at Southeast who has helped raise money for the scholarship for eight years.

Cooper said the fund has raised $7,910. If fund-raisers reach the plateau of $10,000, they can begin paying out the scholarship after one year of accumulated interest earned by the account.

Initially, the scholarship fund will pay out between $500 and $700 annually.

The merchants also raise money through a "Scholarship Garden." Situated at the rear of Mollie's Cafe and Bar on Spanish Street, the garden grows cucumbers, green beans, peppers and other vegetables.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245