CAPE SCHOOLS FUND-RAISING BANQUET PLANNED SATURDAY

Cape Girardeau residents can help local schools and enjoy a virtual escape to destinations unknown Saturday during a benefit banquet at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport.

The Cape Girardeau Public School Foundation will sponsor the "Come Fly With Us" benefit from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the airport. Mac's Smokehouse will provide the dinner for the event.

The event will feature performances by the Central jazz band, Jerry Ford Ensemble, and several student performances. Participants also may purchase chances to win a number of prizes, including a vacation package to Las Vegas or other selected destinations.

The event is the latest effort launched by executive directors Rich Payne and Kandee Metje to raise private funds to pay for unmet district needs. The organization has raised more than $20,000 this year with the help of a $10,000 matching grant awarded this week from the Wal-Mart Foundation.

The foundation, formed in 1995 to raise funds to renovate the high school track, was reactivated last year to seek donations from alumni, area corporations and businesses.

"We've had tremendous response from the community," said Metje. "There are very few places I've gone where I've had an outright negative response."

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Fund raiser for Cape Schools foundation

WHEN: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport

COST: $20 per couple