FASHION SHOW CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

An idea 20 years ago to raise money and have some fun with a fall fashion show has evolved into a tradition for the Cape Girardeau Zonta Club.

This year's 20th anniversary fashion show will be held Monday at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. Seven local stores will offer a variety of fashions, including casual wear, evening wear, children's clothing and furs.

Money raised goes to local charities.

Participating stores: Children's Bazaar, All American Kids, Eddie Bauer, Seifert's, Hecht's, Sandy's, and J. Katherine's. Two of the stores, Children's Bazaar and Hecht's, have been involved in the fashion show since it started.

"This fashion show has blossomed and has been extremely successful," said Chris Sheets, ticket chairman. "We are fortunate to find a fund raiser that works and continues on."

The first show was organized by Judy Gausnell, who will attend this year's show. It was held at the Drury Lodge and 350 people attended.

"It's a sellout every year," Sheets said. "We expect about 440 people this year. It is usually kind of a last minute sellout. There are still seats left."

The buffet dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the show starts promptly at 7:15 p.m. Seating is reserved. Tickets are $35. For tickets, call 651-3360.

"All the seats are good," Sheets said. "We will be seated at tables of eight."

The theme for the evening is Reflections. "We are reflecting back on 20 years of the fashion show," Sheets said.

Some popular attractions from years past will be included in the evening's entertainment, she said.

"There used to be a lot of male models in the show," Sheets said. "We will have men back for a short segment this year."

A make-over segment, also part of early fashion shows, will be included. The SEMO Sundancers will perform.

"One of the highlights is the children who model," Sheets said. "Another of the highlights is the fur show from Hecht's."

All the money raised by the organization stays in Cape Girardeau and funds projects like literacy packets. Every child born in Cape Girardeau receives a new book and parents get a packet of information on literacy.

With the Cape Girardeau Fire Department, the club sponsors installation of smoke detectors. Among other projects, the club sponsors a Halloween party at the Missouri Veteran's Club, works with Habitat for Humanity and the Brownie Frolics.

Zonta is an international professional women's service organization. The Cape Girardeau club is 25 years old and has over 70 members.