MARCH 6 CANCER GALA SEEKS TO RAISE $75,000

The American Cancer Society's annual gala will set sail March 6 with a fund-raising event following a grand cruise ship theme.

The dinner dance will be held at the Show Me Center.

"We're bidding the 20th century adieu and cruising into the next century," said Mary-Ann Maloney, publicity chairman for the event.

The evening begins with a Captain's Reception followed by a buffet prepared by Sodexho Marriot and the grand dessert station.

The dance features the band Inception, making an encore performance. The Nashville-based band performs a mixture of Motown sounds, classics and contemporary music.

Costs of the band are being underwritten by Sandy McLane, who owns Commercial Real Estate Co.

"I've been blessed," McLane said. "And I want to share my blessings. I try to help others whenever I can."

Janet Esicar and Rachel Beam are co-chairpersons of the event and have enlisted many volunteers. While the gala is designed to be fun, it also raises money for the American Cancer Society.

"Cancer has affected our family, and if people look hard enough it's affected their's too," said Bob Neff.

Neff and his wife, Bari, are donating a 1999 Ford Ranger truck for the gala's raffle. Also on the raffle list is a seven-day cruise and $1,000 cash. A silent auction is also planned.

New this year is a special event called "Champagne and Diamonds." Guests may purchase a glass of champagne for $50. In the bottom of each glass is a glittering stone. It might be a one-carat cubic zirconia crystal, or it could be a one-carat diamond.

"I can tell you one thing," said jeweler Chuck McGinty, "The real stone will be the hottest thing going. McGinty and his wife, Laura, are donating the stones.

The cubic zirconia crystals are valued at $100 each. The "real McGinty" is worth $6,000.

The fund-raising goal is $75,000. Tickets are $150 a couple.

"We expect 500 people at the black-tie event," said Maloney. "Together we can make a difference and sink cancer."

For tickets, call (573) 334-9197.