KENNY ROGERS CENTER PREPARES FOR 20TH TELETHON

SIKESTON -- It has become a staple in March. Performers sing, play musical instruments and entertain in many other ways as part of a telethon for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center. After 19 successful years, the center and the rest of the Sikeston area are now preparing for the 20th telethon which will be held on March 18 and 19.

"This year is going to be a very special one," said Chuck Martin, executive director of the center. "Not only is it the year 2000, but it also just happens to be our 20th anniversary, so it will be our 20th annual telethon."

The excitement began this week with the release of the names of the poster children. Courtney Borders of Charleston, Jacob Coleman of Sikeston, Madeline Passley of Sikeston, Chris Webster of Dexter and Amanda Williams of New Madrid are the five children chosen to be featured throughout the broadcast along with their parents. They will tell the audience about the care and their experiences at the center as well as what the center means to them.

Each year the money raised during the telethon funds the general operations of the center, which provides therapy and other services to about 200 children from throughout the area. Staff at the center treat children who travel from throughout the area for occupational, physical and speech therapy, as well as early childhood special education services.

"With our name change to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, letting people know that we serve people of all types, the need is greater than ever," Martin said.

Entertainment for the telethon was also announced.

Gary Jones and his band known as Jonezee will be the featured performers. "He has worked with the telethon in the past and has done a fantastic job," Martin said.

The weekend will begin on Friday night with a dinner auction held at the Sikeston Elks Lodge. Tickets will be sold for the event where a steak dinner will be served, a presentation will be given with information about the center, an overview of the telethon provided and the people who have helped put the event together thanked.