SOUTHEAST ANNOUNCES 1991 SHOWCASE ENTERTAINMENT

The 1991 Southeast Showcase salutes Detroit, the city that put America on wheels.

Hosted by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, Southeast Showcase is scheduled for Nov. 21 at Cape Girardeau's Show Me Center.

The theme for this year's event, "Motown It's All Right," will be centered around the excitement, romance and adventure of the automobile. Showcase '91 is presented by Ford Groves, one of the area's oldest automobile dealerships.

The annual fund-raiser, which showcases food and beverages from the area's outstanding restaurants and entertainment, attracted more than 1,100 guests last year.

Although a number of area businesses assist with the sponsorship of Southeast Showcase, Ford Groves' participation marks the first time that Showcase has been presented by an area business. Founded in 1914, Ford Groves is the second oldest Ford dealership in Missouri.

Carol Sparkman, co-chairman of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation's special projects committee, said: "The company is one of our community's most respected businesses. Through the interest of businesses like Ford Groves, Southeast Showcase will continue to be a premier event for this region."

Bringing the "Motown sound" to Showcase this year will be headline entertainers, The Impressions. Famous for their hit songs of the '60s, they include "Gypsy Woman," "It's All Right," and "People Get Ready."

The group has sold over 15 million records. In January, The Impressions were recognized for their contributions to American music and were inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

For the third year, KGMO/KAPE radio will conduct special promotions and publicity prior to Showcase as well as providing a master of ceremonies for the evening.

Sponsoring the entertainment for a second year are AmeriFirst Bank, Boatmen's Bank, Capital Bank, Mercantile Bank, and Exchange Bank of Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

AAA Travel of Cape Girardeau and the Marriott Corporation will again provide the grand door prize.

Southeast Showcase made its debut in 1989. Approximately $25,000 was raised at the 1990 Showcase, with proceeds going toward patient care development at Southeast.

Since its organization in 1977, the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation has been committed to excellence in health care through the financing of capital improvements for the hospital and for the support of health care advanced in the area.

For additional information about Southeast Showcase, including ticket sales, call the hospital foundation office at 651-5510.