Special film showing set for Feb. 22

Trudy Lee has seen the movie "The Ultimate Gift" twice and compares it to the holiday favorite "It's A Wonderful Life."

Lee, director of planned giving and president of Southeast Council on Philanthropy (SECOP) recently discussed a special showing of the film.

A red-carpet movie premiere, including a post-movie reception, will be limited to three showings at Wehrenberg 14 Cine' in Cape Girardeau.

There will be a matinee showing at 1:30 p.m. and two 6:30 p.m. showings Feb. 22. The third showing was added due to demand.

"Everybody will be treated like a star," Lee said.

The premiere was brought to the area because SECOP sponsors saw the value of the message in terms of how people could expand their thinking and in making a difference through how you live your life and what is given to others.

The movie will come out sometime in March, and is based on the book by Jim Stovall of the same name.

The movie's message is that in the end, the value of a person's life is not measured by what one has, as much as by what one gives. Rather than just leaving his grandson money upon his death, a wealthy man assigns his grandson 12 tasks -- called gifts -- that are truly important in life and worth more than any trust fund.

"Because of the generosity of participating organizations and our sponsors, we are able to sell tickets for $5 per person," Lee said.

SECOP is an organization made up of more than 25 not-for-profit organizations in Southeast Missouri who partner to advance philanthropy through education, training and networking.

Tickets are available by calling 651-5935. Reservations must be made by Feb. 14.