CANCER GALA PLANNING SET TO BEGIN

"A Night on Broadway" will be the theme of this year's benefit gala sponsored by the Cape Girardeau County Unit of the American Cancer Society. The annual fund-raising event will be held Saturday, March 7 at the Show Me Center.

Money raised provides treatment for cancer patients in the area, cancer education and supports cancer research. The local Cancer Society office estimates that 60 percent of the money raised is used for local programs and services and 40 percent goes to research projects.

More than 80 volunteers are working to produce "A Night on Broadway." The theme symbolizes the performances of many in the community who donate their time and talents for fund-raising efforts.

"It is due to the hard work of the ACS volunteers and the generosity of the donors that the medical field has made so many advances in the war against cancer," said Brian Yarbrough, development specialist of the Heartland Division cancer society. "I truly believe that because of the volunteers and donors, my mother who was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer, is alive and well today."

Serving as co-chairmen of the gala are Rita Crain and Rachel Beam. Crain said her work on the gala is related to the direct impact cancer has had in her family.

"My father was terminally ill with prostate cancer at the time of his death," she said. "We would like to do our best to raise as much money as possible to help find a cure for this disease and to try to ensure that our children and all of our loved ones do not have to endure cancer in their lifetimes."

Beam agreed. "Each one of us is at risk for being affected by cancer either personally, in our families or among our friends. We need to come together as a community in an attempt to fight this terrible disease. We hope the community shows its support by attending this year's gala, which promises to be a fabulous evening."

The evening's activities include a dinner, dance and fund-raising activities. The dinner will be catered by the Outback Steakhouse. "Inception," a show and dance band from Nashville, Tenn., will provide entertainment. The band has eight pieces, including a four-piece rhythm section and three horns, and performs music ranging from Motown to contemporary tunes.

The annual gala is supported by numerous corporations, small businesses, professionals and others. Area businesses have donated merchandise, collectibles and services for the event's silent and live auctions.

Ambassador or corporate level sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Charles H. Cozean Jr., The First National Bank, HSCA, Kwik Kopy Printing, LDD, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lipps, McLane Investment and Development, Mercantile Bank, Outback Steakhouse, St. Francis Medical Center, South East Missouri Bank, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Southeast Missouri State University and Union Planters Bank.

Tickets for the gala are $65 each and may be obtained from the American Cancer Society office by calling 334-9197.