American Cancer Society event brings together good food, good times

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Lynn Feeler is working on her menu for April 7 -- tea cakes, tiny pastries and perhaps some small sandwiches. It will be just a taste, but then, what else would you expect at the fifth annual Taste of Sikeston and Southeast Missouri.

Feeler, who owns RSVP Catering, is joining other restaurants, caterers and beverage vendors to provide samples of their wares for the public all while benefiting the American Cancer Society. This year's event is from 5 to 8 p.m. April 7 at the Miner Convention Center in Miner, Mo.

It was an easy decision, Feeler said, to again take part in the event.

"First of all, I like to support the American Cancer Society," she said. "Secondly, it gives me an opportunity to rub elbows with other caterers in the area and to see what they are doing this season."

This year Feeler said she will decorate her booth using a garden tea party theme. Her menu will reflect that theme, as well.

While her planning is already underway, Feeler puts the food together just before the event. She said she likes to use fresh, organically grown products whenever possible.

"For peak flavor, they generally need to be prepared as near to serving time as possible," she said to ensure she offers the best tidbits her business can offer.

While it is work, the caterer also pointed out that Taste of Sikeston and Southeast Missouri is also fun.

"It has grown every year and is for such a good cause," Feeler said. "It is a good opportunity to taste some good food, see a lot of folks and the auction items are great. It is just a good time."

Promoting a good cause and providing a good time is exactly why Gayle Childs, event coordinator on behalf of Food Giant, started the event five years ago. Childs, who is a breast cancer survivor, pointed out in addition to providing lots of entertainment and good food, the event raised $13,000 for the American Cancer Society last year.

This year could be an even bigger fundraiser. Her work began in January, contacting food vendors to set up booths and businesses to make donations to the auction.

Already confirmed as participating April 7 in addition to RSVP Catering are Food Giant Deli, Grecian Steak House, the Cook Shack, Susie's Bake Shoppe and Restaurant, Grandpa's Kitchen, Patrick's Deli-Que and Family Traditions of Sikeston, McAlister's Deli and Texas Road House from Cape Girardeau, Johnny Fleeman Gourmet Foods of Nashville, Tenn., and the Boat House at Bloomfield, Mo., along with Coke, Pepsi, RC Cola, Bluff City Beer, Country Delight Dairies and Prairie Farms Ice Cream. Others will be added to the list as they confirm their plans with Childs.

Food and beverages are just part of the evening. A country rock band from Poplar Bluff, Mo., will also perform.

Also other local and area businesses have thrown their support behind the event by donating items to the silent auction. According to Childs, donations range from a garden tiller to Cardinals baseball tickets to an iPad or a flat-screen television.

While the businesses are doing a good deed, they also benefit, Childs said.

"This gives vendors an opportunity to showcase their business and gets their names out there," she said.

Tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple. They are available at all Food Giant locations, the American Cancer Society, First State Community Bank or the Standard Democrat.

At the door, tickets are $25 per person or $35 per couple.