Festival to help raise funds for disaster recovery on Saturday

On Saturday, the Southeast Missouri American Red Cross and Salvation Army chapters will hold a Family Fun Festival to benefit local victims of disasters.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Jackson City Park at shelter No. 5. Family-oriented activities include face painting, a dunking booth and other carnival games. Candy and small prizes will be available to children participating. Adults are also encouraged to participate, with games such as horseshoes, washers and a raffle for a weather radio. In addition, the Salvation Army will have a booth set up to sell food.

Proceeds will be matched by the Modern Woodmen of America, up to $5,000. Modern Woodmen organized the festival because of a substantial increase in requests for financial assistance in the area.

"We often participate in local events matching funds for schools and nonprofits," said Kelly Darby, a representative of Modern Woodmen.

Funds for local disaster relief are sorely needed. "Over the past year, our region has been hit pretty hard by natural disasters," said Sara Gerau, executive director for financial development for the Southeast Missouri American Red Cross.

The funds raised will be split, Darby said, with Modern Woodmen donating up to $2,500 to each organization. Money raised will be targeted toward places such as Morehouse, Morley, and the Sikeston areas, which were heavily damaged by floods. The Cape Girardeau and Jackson areas will also receive funds to benefit those affected by storms, fires and floods.

"In many cases, insurance doesn't entirely cover the damage," Darby said.

Money raised will assist disaster victims in repairing and rebuilding damaged homes. Funds will also help buy food, clothing, laundry detergent and other basic needs for those affected by the storms.

rovermann@semissourian.com

388-3654

Pertinent Address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, MO