Have fun for a good cause at The Cancer Gala

Many, if not all, of us have been touched by cancer in some way.

We've seen the devastating effects it can have not only on those who are diagnosed with it, but their loved ones.

There's many ways to raise funds for research and awareness of these terrible diseases, and one of those is coming up this weekend.

The American Cancer Society, "the largest private, not-for-profit funder of cancer research in the United States, investing more than $4 billion since 1946," according to its website, will host The Cancer Gala 2016 on Saturday night.

The 30th annual event, with the theme "Destination: Cure" begins at 6:30 p.m. at The Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Hangar.

There will be fast jets and luxury cars on display at the event. There also will be food stations, complimentary beer and wine and the opportunity to dance to music by Groovethang, a seven-piece band from St. Louis.

Marvelless Mark Kamp, a Jackson native who is an author, award-winning motivational speaker and Las Vegas entertainer, will provide entertainment at the event, and there will be both a live and silent auction.

"We will have multiple jewelry pieces, including a 1-carat rose gold diamond necklace, a white leather sectional sofa, several packages -- including a girls' package with a Vegas condo stay, show tickets and spa package -- as well as lodging in beautiful Colorado, and several sports packages, including Blues and Cardinals tickets, and much more," gala co-chair Amanda Bartlett recently told the Southeast Missourian.

Tickets for the gala are $125 per person and may be purchased online at www.thecancergala.org or by calling the local American Cancer Society office at (573) 334-9352.

"Last year, more than 350 people attended," Bartlett said. "And we raised over $145,000. ... This year, our goal is $160,000."