Hutson auction

Charles L. Hutson of Hutson Furniture, who died in 2003, started the auction now named for him 20 years ago. The goal then was to raise money to help the Downtown Merchants Association pay for new Christmas decorations.

The auction now benefits Old Town Cape, the redevelopment organization the Downtown Merchants have merged with. The proceeds still do what Hutson intended: help downtown prosper.

Tonight's auction will be held for the first time at the Marquette Tower penthouse, a locale that provides a stunning view of the city's downtown. Gift certificates, furnishings, art and other donated items will be up for bid.

The event is Old Town Cape's biggest fund raiser of the year. Last year's auction raised more than $20,000.

The action begins at 6:30 p.m.

Here's an opportunity to show your support for Cape Girardeau's historic downtown while enjoying what is destined to become one of the city's premier venues for special events. In other words: Have a good time. Charlie Hutson would have.