MERCHANTS AUCTION RAISES NEARLY $20,000

A crowd turned out for the "Beach Party," held in downtown Cape Girardeau Saturday night, and at midnight some of the party-goers were still there, doing the limbo in the sand.

"Beach Party" was the theme for the 12th annual Downtown Merchant Association's fund-raising auction, held inside the large structure at 45 N. Main St.

More than 200 paid a $10 admission to attend the party, which featured more than 100 items that were auctioned off -- 59 items via verbal auction and about that many by silent auction.

The annual event topped all previous years, in both funds raised and attendance.

"We'll realize about $20,000 from the auction," said Dionne Hoffmeister, who has chaired the event the past two years. "The verbal auction totals were $14,875. The rest came from the silent auction, admission and special events."

One of the special events was the "limbo" dance, held in a sand pit that had been placed in one corner of the building.

"We had 20 to 25 entries for the limbo," said Hoffmeister, "and member of the audience got into the act by tossing money in the sand for repeat performances by limbo contestants."

The $20,000 tops the previous high of $18,000, from the 1995 auction. The "over 200" totals represent the high in attendance. During most years, the total ranged from 125 to 150.

Funds raised at the auction are used for restoration projects in downtown Cape Girardeau, upkeep on the Christmas lights and for the annual Christmas Lights parade.

"We were well pleased with this year's event," said Hoffmeister. "We had a great committee, a good theme and decorations. People enjoyed the Beach Party theme. It was a gala event."

The admission price included hors d'oeuvres, provided by Port Cape Girardeau.

Some 139 items were on the sales bill. Fifty-nine of the items were auctioned through the donated services of Chug's Auction Service.

The list of auctioned items included a reversible leather-mink coat, a number of pieces of Broyhill furniture, St. Louis Cardinal baseball tickets, television set, jewelry, and a number of certificates for radio and television advertising time.

The silent auction list contained 80 items, including antique items, savings bonds, books and a number of gift certificates.

The auctions have raised more than $150,000 over the past 12 years, and more than $49,000 the past three years, with proceeds of $13,000 in 1997, $16,000 last year and about $20,000 this year.