FRIENDS OF ST. FRANCIS HOST TO `PIG OUT'

The Friends of St. Francis continue a tradition of having a good time while raising money for St. Francis Medical Center when the organization sponsors "The Great American Pig Out," featuring the first "Meadow Muffin Contest."

This combination barbecue, hoedown and "meadow muffin" event will be held May 16 on property owned by Pat Evans, off Bloomfield Road two miles west of I-66. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

"This is probably the most unusual philanthropic activity ever sponsored by The Friends," said Edythe M. Davis, executive director of the St. Francis Foundation and adviser to The Friends of St. Francis.

"We think it's a can't-miss event in terms of raising funds for the medical center and providing a tremendous amount of wholesome fun for everyone."

Over the years, this booster organization of St. Francis Medical Center has sponsored The Great Train Experience, the annual Friends of St. Francis Golf Tournament and group tours to several foreign countries.

During the Meadow Muffin Contest, a cow named Frances will wander through a pasture divided into square-yard grids. Commemorative deeds for these plots can be purchased in advance for $10 each. Plots can also be purchased at the Pig Out. The cow will meander in the field until she deposits three "muffins" (also known as "cow chips").

A panel of judges, Cherie Herbst, Mike Rust and Jim Riley Jr., will determine the winners. The first winner will receive a $500 savings bonds from Southeast Missouri Bank. Second prize is a night for two at the Holiday Inn South in St. Louis plus a pair of Cardinal baseball tickets. Third place is a chateaubriand dinner for two at the Petite N'Orleans in Cape Girardeau. A gift certificate for a dinner for two at The Pasta House Company will also be given away as a door prize.

General admission to The Great American Pig Out is $30 per person in advance or $35 at the gate. Admission is limited to those age 21 and over.

Serving as coordinators are Juan Crites and Kristi Mehner. For more information, call 339-6133.