New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate, and several organizations are hosting get-togethers to ring in the new year while raising money for worthy causes.

New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate, and several organizations are hosting get-togethers to ring in the new year while raising money for worthy causes.

The third annual St. Jude Benefit begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Arena Building. A catered dinner by 2-Chef's Catering will be served at 6:30 p.m. Activities include raffles, live and silent auctions, a photo booth and more. The Big Ticket will provide music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and there will be an open bar. Organizers have reserved rooms at Auburn Place hotel and will provide transportation to following the festivities.

Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

"It's amazing and life changing to see the work St. Jude does," said organizer Kyle Moyers.

According to Moyer's, the party idea grew out of a desire to do something to benefit the pediatric treatment and research facility. He said he and the other organizers had a friend whose daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and received treatment at St. Jude. She is now cancer-free.

Partygoers ring in the new year at the St. Jude New Year’s Eve Benefit at the A.C. Brase Arena Building in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (Kristin Eberts)

"St. Jude is a great thing in our backyard, and they do great work for the right reasons," Moyers said.

Moyers encouraged people to get their tickets soon, which can be purchased at Concepts Styling Salon in Cape Girardeau or by calling 887-1081 or 382-2812. The cost is $50.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri is hosting the Reveal 2013 Masquerade Ball from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Venue. Midlife Crisis and Lawdogg will provide music.

There will be live and silent auctions, hors d'oeuvres, a late night snack, photo booth, complimentary champaign toast at midnight and a cash bar. Transportation will be provided after the event.

Proceeds will benefit the United Way 2013 Campaign.

Partygoers ring in the new year at the St. Jude New Year's Eve Benefit at the A.C. Brase Arena Building in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (Kristin Eberts)

"The 'Reveal' theme is to bring to light the needs of the community," said Kim Voelker, United Way campaign director.

Voelker added that there are needs in the community, like homelessness, that people may not see on a daily basis.

Younghouse Distributing Inc. has masks available for purchase which can be worn at the ball. The business will give a portion of the proceeds to the United Way.

Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advanced at the United Way office, JCS Tel-Link or Bold Marketing. For more information, call 334-9634.

Grace United Methodist Church will host a New Year's Eve party that organizers say will be family-friendly and alcohol-free. The celebration begins at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 521 Caruthers St. in Cape Girardeau.

Grace will have activities for all ages, including games, puzzles, Nintendo Wii, karaoke and movies. At 9 p.m., the youth group will cook pizzas for those attending, and at 11:15 p.m. there will be a worship service. At midnight, attendees will gather on the lawn and ring the church bells for the new year.

Organizers said they felt there was a need for this type of event.

"Some people would feel more comfortable in an alcohol-free environment," said organizer Cheryl Mothes. "We're really looking forward to intergenerational activities and ringing the bells outside. That will be a great moment."

Partygoers ring in the new year at the United We Rock New Year's Eve Party at The Venue in Cape Girardeau on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. (Kristin Eberts)

There is no charge for Grace's community celebration and families are free to come and go. The church will also offer sleeping rooms for anyone unable to stay awake until midnight. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations can be made by calling the church before Dec. 28 at 334-1321.

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648

Pertinent address:

A.C. Brase Arena Building, 410 Kiwanis Dr., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

The Venue Cape Girardeau, 80 S. Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Grace United Methodist Church, 521 Caruthers St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.