FOP IS RAISING MONEY FOR EASTER SEALS

For the third year in a row, the Cape Girardeau Regional Fraternal Order of Police is raising money for the Easter Seal Society's 1994 donation drive.

But this year the FOP is trying something different -- offering donors the ability to win St. Louis Cardinals baseball tickets or baseballs autographed by St. Louis Cardinals players.

Detective Kenton Martin, a Cape Girardeau police officer affiliated with the FOP, said the Easter Seal Society has been the chosen philanthropy of the police organization since its inception in 1975.

"In 1975 the Fraternal Order of Police raised about $28,500 for Easter Seals," said Martin. "Last year the organization raised well over $700,000."

All money raised by the Cape Girardeau Regional FOP will be used locally for Easter Seals projects, Martin said.

Chuck Martin, director of the local Easter Seal Society Foundation, said the society's telethon is a grassroots campaign.

"Without organizations like the Fraternal Order of Police raising money for the Easter Seals, we would be lost," he said. "We are really dependent upon donations from the local level. There won't be any representatives of major corporations waiting in the wings at the telethon to present a $20,000 or $30,000 check to us," he said.

If people wishing to donate do not want to be entered into the grand prize drawing, the FOP also has pledge cards available.

The mission of the Easter Seal Society is to work with individuals, their families and the community to enhance the independence and quality of life of persons with disabilities. The Easter Seal Society has been servicing children and their families throughout Southeast Missouri for over 45 years.

The drawing for the grand prizes will be held during the Easter Seals Telethon on March 6. Four officers representing the local chapter of the FOP will man phones for an hour during the telethon to gather pledges in the name of their organization.

For more information or to donate and be entered into the drawing for the grand prizes, call Martin at 335-6621.