MORE THAN $45,000 RAISED BY AREA-WIDE MS WALK

Goals and expectations for the 2000 MS Walk April 9 at Cape County Park were "way exceeded" in the words of Robin White, walk organizer.

Well over $45,000 has been raised for Multiple Sclerosis and money is still coming in, White said. This year a regional walk was held, with more than 400 participants. In the past a local walk had been held in Jackson.

"We well-exceeded expectations," White said. "We tripled our goal, as far as money goes.

"It was an awesome day. We had the clown interacting with the kids and the band and lots of food. Free lunch. The day just went tremendously. I don't know any other way to put it."

Support for the MS Walk came from both the public and private sector. The local chapter ranked second to the city of St. Louis, within the Gateway Chapter.

"I owe a thank you' to the community for coming out and giving us this support," White said. "We have ranked second in the Gateway Chapter's walks, as far as number of walks and money we raised. We had a tremendous amount of businesses that came out in teams and walked."

Jackson and Cape Girardeau McDonald's stores competed, as well as Procter & Gamble and various organizations from the Meadow Heights, Oak Ridge and Jackson school systems.

"I was just speechless when they told me the amount that day," White said. "They were estimating around $35,000. Now, the actual amount deposited has been over $45,000 and there is still money coming in from people who had pledged a certain amount, but didn't bring it the day of the event."

Everything worked out, including the moderate weather.

"The weather was percent. We couldn't have had better weather for a walk," White said. "It was perfect for the actual walking.

"I think everybody really had a good time and is anxious for next year's event."

White herself is an MS sufferer and knows the uncertainties the disease brings. She hopes to be able to continue leading the walk.

"I will do whatever I can," she said. "I'm planning to chair the event next year, as long as my health permits."