Concert to benefit Girardot Center

The Cape Girardeau Junior Optimist Club will sponsor a performance by Bailey Jester and Amy Martin for the benefit of court-committed juveniles who reside at the Girardot Center for Youth and Family. The performance will be held from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Celebrations, 615 Bellevue, Cape Girardeau. Call 334-8330 for reservations.

Bailey Jester and Amy Martin are two national acts that have established themselves as regional favorites. Martin, a Montana singer-songwriter, will open the show. Bailey Jester is an acoustic duo featuring a mixture of folk, pop, rock and bluegrass.

The goal of the Girardot Center is to help youths become more self-reliant, responsible and productive.

Breita Church of Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club said, "The Evening Optimists have raised money to be used for equipment, trips and meals eaten out for Girardot Center residents. The tasks these young men have performed at our Christmas tree lots have helped to build a sense of community in them."

Treatment includes ways of learning cooperation, social skills, problem solving and positive peer selection. Youths are required to serve in the community at least 10 hours per month. They also earn money from employment to pay court costs.