HOSPITAL HOLDS HOSPICE FUND-RAISER

Those looking for a good cause and a good time found it Saturday at Rhythm on the River.

The fund-raiser, described as a celebration of life and music along the Mississippi, was for Southeast Hospice, a service of Southeast Missouri Hospital, which hosted the event.

Featured were music, crafts, encampments and more at the historic St. Vincent's Seminary.

Dozens of people paid the $5 donation that helps fund such programs as Children Overcoming Outstanding Loss and bereavement support groups for adults.

"Without these fund-raisers, we couldn't afford to help these people," said Carol Keppler, coordinator of the volunteers.

Hospices such as this one help those with terminal illnesses and their families cope.

"People want to die in their own homes," said Judy Alsin, director of the hospice. "In their own bedrooms with their families around them; not on machines with restricted visiting hours."

And Southeast Hospice helps make that possible.

Last year Southeast Hospice provided support for 133 terminally ill patients and their families.

The event was sponsored by Zimmer Broadcasting and is the third in a series of music festivals celebrating 10 years of Southeast Hospice service to Cape Girardeau and surrounding counties.

The local chapter of the American Mountain Men had an encampment set up. Its members were dressed in garb circa 1840.

"This is a good cause," said Warren Masterson of Scott City. "We're out here to help educate people and show them what really went on in the old West."

The group wore hand-made clothes and held guns they made with their own hands. Occasionally, the sound of a cannon shook the grounds.

Darren Davis, a Cape Girardeau magician, delighted children and astounded adults with his magic tricks and balloon sculpting.

Barbecue and beverages were available throughout the day. Special activities and entertainment included cloggers and square dancers, face painting, dulcimer and banjo demonstrations, storytelling and arts and crafts booths.

Most of those attending flocked to the music, though, to hear blues by Willie and the Blue Cats. Those wanting music with an alternative edge stuck around as Papa Aborigine finished out the night.

An information booth was set up to remind everyone why they were there.

The Southeast Hospice serves the Missouri counties of Cape Girardeau, Scott, Stoddard, Bollinger, Perry Mississippi, New Madrid and Wayne.