CANCER SOCIETY GALA `A NIGHT ON THE NILE' PLANNED FOR MARCH 2

Cleopatra and King Tut aren't holding the party, but guests to the American Cancer Society Gala will visit the land of pharaohs and pyramids.

"A Night on the Nile" is the theme of the 1996 American Cancer Society Gala March 2 at the Show Me Center. It is expected to raise $60,000 for the Cancer Society.

The 10th annual gala is probably the biggest social event in the city but it is not exclusive, said co-chairman Martha Kinney. Decorations will be "stupendous with a Sphinx head and pyramids," she said.

Each year the gala is organized around a theme. The 1996 theme began as "Arabian Nights" but was revamped by the committee, Kinney said.

"Every year it gives us the option to change the theme to something we want to do or to dress in style," said co-chairman Jerri Wyman.

The kickoff party was held in November. About 80 committee members and chairmen attended to plan the event.

"It's time consuming, especially the last few weeks," Wyman said. "What I've liked most is that it's a lot of fun. We've met a lot of people whom we can call friends, not just acquaintances. It's a great cause and gives us an opportunity to mingle with those of the same convictions."

The gala begins at 9 p.m. with dinner. It will be preceded by a cocktail hour at area homes. A silent auction and raffle also will be held. Susanna Baylon, a news anchor at KFVS-TV 12, will emcee the event.

"There's been some feeling that it is an exclusive event, but that's not true at all," Kinney said. "We would like anyone interested in supporting the society and having a good time to come. It is a premiere event in Cape Girardeau.

Tickets cost $60 per person or $120 a couple and are available by calling the American Cancer Society office at 334-9197.

Co-chairmen for the gala are Robin and Martha Kinney and John and Jerri Wyman.

Committee chairman are Amy Dowdy and Jeri Packard; auction; Deborah Wooldridge and Al Phillips, decorations; Toni Zimmer and Kerrye Foley, cocktail parties; Debbie Beussink, sponsors; Robin McClain, publicity; Sue McEwen, printing; Doug Sloan, raffle; Janet and Lester Goodin, Cheryl and Steve Ketelsen, Brian Yarbrough and Lynette Shirrell, dinner dance; Joyce McIntosh, list review; Ann Steck and Monica Waldon, network chairmen; Cherie Herbst, addressing; Susan Sheets, reservations; Adele and Charles Kupchella, site coordinators; and Monica Waldon, treasurer.