RAMS' SUNDAY GAME A MIXED BLESSING FOR HOSPITAL FOUNDATION'S FUND RAISER

The Rams being in the NFC divisional playoff is a mixed blessing for those planning the "Championship Sunday" fund-raiser where the game will be shown.

This being St. Louis' first home NFC championship game in the city's 33-season NFL history means there's a lot of interest in the game, said Chuck Stotts, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, which is hosting the benefit party.

But it also means that many of those who might come to the $250-per-couple party will be in St. Louis for the game, Stotts said.

"All in all, the Rams being in the game will make the party more interesting," Stotts said about "Championship Sunday," which will be held Sunday at the Bavarian Halle and which will feature the AFC and NFC divisional playoffs on big-screen TVs.

The party will benefit Southeast Missouri Hospital's Diabetes Education and Outreach programs and $150 of the $250 admission price is tax-deductible.

"These programs provide tremendous support to thousands of individuals who cope with diabetes," said Phil Ivers, who is chairing the event with his wife, Michelle.

The Ivers' 10-year-old daughter Louise has diabetes and has benefited from some of those programs, including attending Camp DAY Break, said Mrs. Ivers. The summer day camp is for diabetic children who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a summer camp experience.

Other programs "Championship Sunday" will help underwrite are Diabetes In-Service Education for area schools, through which teachers and administrators learn how to meet the needs of diabetic children, and diabetes support groups, where families of children and adults with diabetes come together for mutual support and education.

Mrs. Ivers says she is looking forward to the party, though she is not a huge fan of football.

"It makes watching football more fun when there are other people around rather than watching it by yourself at home," she said.

Stotts said he expects 50 to 75 people at the party, which will include football action on multi-big screen television, a hearty buffet, beverages and trivia contests with prizes donated by area businesses and NFL teams.

"For those without season tickets, this is a way to share in the Ram's success while supporting a worthy cause," Stotts said.