CANCER SOCIETY GALA RAISES $60,000 HERE

The formal party is over and all the decorations have been torn down, but the American Cancer Society is still celebrating.

The ninth annual American Cancer Society Gala raised about $60,000 for the organization. A final dollar amount wasn't expected until later this week.

The gala began in 1987 and raised $9,847 its first year. Since then it has become the largest fund-raising event for the Cape Girardeau County chapter.

Most of the money raised will be used to operate research and cancer detection programs. Only 25 percent will be used for future fund-raising activities.

"A Night on the Nile," was the theme for the 1996 gala, which transformed the Show Me Center into the land of sphinxes, pharaohs and pyramids. About 500 people attended the black-tie dinner and dance Saturday, which was hosted by Susanna Baylon, a news reporter for KFVS-TV.

"It was the best gala ever for attendance," said event co-chairman Jerri Wyman. "It was an enjoyable party and everything was for a great cause."

Wyman was one of four event chairman who helped organize and plan the party. More than 30 other people also volunteered as committee chairman.

"I will miss working on it," she said. "It's what has prevailed in my life over the last months. I will miss having that to do."

Planning for the next gala begins in mid-summer.

"Because this event does involve a year-round planning process, we are already recruiting volunteers for Gala '97 and welcome input from both experienced and new volunteers," said area director Kim Pickett.