ICE CREAM SOCIAL TO BENEFIT SHELTER

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri is counting on sumptuous desserts to help meet summer expenses at the shelter.

The Humane Society Ice Cream Social and Gourmet Dessert Auction will be held at Mollie's Cafe & Bar on Sunday, July 18.

Susan McClanahan, author of the Southeast Missourian's weekly Recipe Swap, will serve as guest hostess of the event, greeting people at the door. The auction provides a great opportunity for people who have read or contributed to Recipe Swap to meet her in person, said Cynthia Kothe of the Humane Society.

The event is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Those wishing to attend can purchase a ticket for $6.50 from the Humane Society, Cape Girardeau Senior Center or any of the local veterinarian clinics.

For the ticket, individuals will be served dessert, ice cream and lemonade. In addition, they'll have a chance to bid on about 50 desserts made by talented local cooks.

For example, individuals can bid on "Death by Chocolate" cookie wedge by Wes Kinsey, owner of My Daddy's Cheesecake, or cinnamon rolls made by Mary-Ann Maloney of KFVS-TV or an "out-of-this-world" cheesecake by Dr. Tom Harte, local chef and food columnist.

"You could also enjoy desserts made by cookbook authors Ruth Knote or Angie Holtzhouser or by home economics experts like Grace Hoover," said Kothe.

In fact, the Humane Society invites other community cooks to donate their personal dessert speciality for the auction. For those who wish to contribute but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, Mollie's has offered to make desserts to order.

Kothe said the Humane Society needs to know by July 16 if someone wants to donate a dessert or have Mollie's whip up a creation to donate in their name.

Jim Dowdy, Bob Barks and Claueda Barks, auctioneers from the Rainbow Auction company, will conduct the auction.

"We had about 50 people attend last year, but we're hoping for lots more this year," she said. "We need to raise money to feed the animals and provide vaccinations."

She said the event should provide an afternoon of fun for the whole family. The dress is casual.

Kothe said the shelter takes in about 6,000 animals each year. The Humane Society receives the bulk of its money from donations.

"We receive no state, federal or United Way funding," said Kothe. "Fund raisers like this help us keep the shelter operating."