Humane Society benefit reunites former area band, draws crowd of 500

The dance floor was packed with people who came out to hear some good music Saturday night at the "Who Let The Dogs Out" benefit for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri at the Arena Building.

About 500 people attended the concert featuring Mike Smith and The Runaways. The group was joined by two former band members who have found success in the music business.

Steve Hornbeak, a keyboardist formerly of Tamms, Ill., has performed with several well-known recording artists including Faith Hill and John Michael Montgomery. Larry Seyer, formerly of Oran, Mo., now works in the recording studio business. He has received nine Grammy Awards for his work with Asleep at the Wheel and other many recording stars. Seyer, a guitar player, now owns his own recording studio in Austin, Texas.

Lead singer Mike Smith said The Runaways, a local band that formed in the mid-60s, only comes out of retirement to play for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

"All of us have dogs," said Smith about his bandmates. "We feel like it's important that we support this organization."

Diann and Jim Daume of Cape Girardeau danced Saturday at the "Who Let the Dogs Out" benefit concert for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

The Humane Society cares for an average of 150 animals each month, said executive director Cheryle Dillon.

All the funds used to operate its facility come from local donations, she said.

"People think they have to donate $50 or $100 to make a difference, but just a $2 gallon of bleach helps," Dillon said

Other items needed include Pine Sol, paper towels and food for puppies and kittens.

The numbers and kinds of animals cared for by the Humane Society staff varies, Dillon said.

"This week we had dogs, cats, rabbits and a turkey," Dillon said. "Last week we had ducks."

For more information about the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, visit www.semopets.org.

mmiller@semissourian.com

388-3646