'Price is Right' theme planned for Humane Society benefit

"The Price is Right," complete with "Barker's Beauties," is the Southeast Missouri Humane Society's theme for its 27th annual benefit auction and dinner.

A Price is Right trivia game will be played, in which all questions will pertain to the TV game show. A wheel similar the one on the show will be used by players, and prizes will be awarded for correct answers.

Centerpieces intended to remind attendees of the show's prize boxes have been decorated with dollar signs. Chris Simmons, decorator, chose a color palette of black and red with silver for the theme.

"I've seen the show for the last few weeks, and they change colors every day," she said. Simmons decided to go with colors used mostly in the old shows. Her business, Party Wizards, has been responsible for decorating at the Humane Society function for at least the last four years.

Volunteers from the Alpha Xi Delta sorority at Southeast Missouri State University will be "Barker's Beauties," greeting guests at the door, handing out programs and showing guests to their tables in evening gowns. They will also draw bidders' attention to the auction items.

The menu includes chicken and beef, mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, rolls and triple-layer cake provided by Gordonville Grill. The bar setup will be by Broussard's, and the auctioneer will be Tom Jones. Nestle Purina is the presenting sponsor.

It is the second year the event has been held at the Osage Community Centre. "We outgrew the Arena Building," said Cheryle Dillon, Humane Society director. With extra room there's more space for auction items. "We'll have three different groups of tables besides the oral auction," Dillon said.

"Proceeds stay at the Humane Society," she said. Last year, $36,000 was raised; this year's goal is $42,000.

The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri has an annual budget of $250,000. It receives an average of 5,000 animals annually and have 80 cages available to hold animals.

Doors open for the event at 4 p.m., and dinner is at 6 April 12 at the Osage Centre.

For more information, call Dillon or Sue Sample at 334-5837. For a diagram of the table arrangement and payment details, visit www.semopets.org.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133