Hospital foundation presents annual 'Christmas Story' Sunday

Holiday music celebrating the joy of the season will return again in the seventh annual production of "A Christmas Story" on Sunday.

Over the past six years, this benefit concert hosted by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation has raised $50,000 to help support programs and services of the hospital's Regional Cancer Center. The program begins at 2 p.m. at Cape Bible Chapel, 2911 Kage Road in Cape Girardeau.

Honorary chairperson for this year's concert is Charles E. DeFelice, M.D. As a cardiologist, DeFelice has been a part of the Cape Girardeau medical community and Southeast's medical staff since 1980.

Featured performers for this year's concert are vocalist Casie Janet, pianist Shane Steck, and dancers with the Academy of Dance Arts.

Mike Dumey, known throughout the region for his musical productions, will produce and direct the program.

The afternoon's entertainment will begin with pre-concert music at 1:30 p.m. provided by the Grace Notes Handbell Choir and directed by Ray Haring of Grace United Methodist Church. A reception with holiday refreshments will be held following the hour-long program.

Corporate sponsor for the concert is Bank of America. Promotional sponsor is KGMO/KAPE/MIX 96.5 Radio.

Tickets for "A Christmas Story" are available for a minimum donation of $5 each and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Sponsorships are available in ranges of $100 to $1,000. For more information, call the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation at 651-5510.