BENEFIT AUCTION TO BE HELD FOR SAFE HOUSE FRIDAY

The Cape Girardeau County Area Medical Alliance is hosting a benefit auction Friday for the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau.

The annual benefit begins at 7 p.m. at Drury Lodge. Tickets cost $15 per person. Music will be provided by the Chuck McGinty Sound System.

The auction features 30 baskets filled with items that emphasize a theme, like a "Pamper Yourself" basket filled with lotions, candles, a weekend stay at a motel, and wine. Other baskets include an emergency basket, travel basket, antique basket and children's basket, all sponsored by area clubs or businesses.

Proceeds from the basket auction will benefit the women's shelter, said Executive Director Bonnie Gerecke.

Since opening in 1991, the Safe House for Women has served more than 1,000 women and children, who are victims of domestic abuse.

Tickets also can be purchased in advance at Schnuck's, Children's Bazaar and Universal Physique Fitness Center. For more information about the auction, call Bonnie Gerecke at 335-7745.