Campaign for police dog adds auction, race night

Since March 4, schoolchildren in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, Mo., have been working with Tracker, the Southeast Missourian Jr. mascot, to raise $9,000 for a new police dog for the Cape Girardeau police.

Cheryl Ellis, editor of the Southeast Missourian Jr., said fund raising hasn't been easy. Almost a month into Tracker's Pay for the Pup campaign, not even half of the money has been raised.

"Unfortunately we didn't get the participation out of the schools like I'd hoped," Ellis said. "We've had three schools turn in money and a couple others who just wanted more time."

Since the participation from the schools was less than Ellis expected, she had to look for other ways to raise money.

She came up with two ideas -- an online auction for a Kenny Chesney concert package and a night at the race track.

The concert package is being auctioned off on the Southeast Missourian Web site. It includes two front-row tickets and backstage passes courtesy of the Show Me Center, a limousine ride to the concert from Nelson's Limousine Service, a straw hat from Bob's Shoe Service, free CD's from radio station K103, lunch for two at Mr. Goodcents and dinner for two at The Indigo.

"So far the auction is going really well," Ellis said Tuesday. "The highest bid is $400, and it's only been open since Sunday."

Bidding for the concert package will close at 3 p.m. April 15.

Ellis said money for the campaign will also come from Tracker Night at the Race Track, at the Auto Tire and Parts race track in Benton, Mo., April 13.

Tickets for the opening night race are on sale at the Southeast Missourian office at 301 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. Ellis said Tracker will be at the race track selling raffle tickets for a 50/50 drawing.

hkronmueller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128