Waterscape will set the mood for 2005 Cancer Society gala

In order to paint the town, the American Cancer Society needed water.

The centerpiece of the organization's 2005 gala will be a waterscape, said chairman Mike Erzfeld.

The event, themed "Paint the Town Red," serves as a yearly fund raiser to support American Cancer Society activities.

"We really do want to stress the importance of where the money goes: education, support, advocacy and service," said Andrea Story, American Cancer Society community specialist of income and development.

Guests will be welcomed into a grotto with stone walls and columns with fountains shooting water into pools. As opposed to the dinners of previous years, this year's event will feature hors d'oeuvres, including a chocolate fountain for fruit dipping, to provide more mingling time.

The gala will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Bavarian Halle on Feb. 26. Tickets can be purchased at Zickfields in Cape Girardeau, at the Bank of Missouri or the Cash-Book Journal in Jackson, or by calling the American Cancer Society at 334-9197.

"It's the 19th gala held and our goal is to raise $40,000," said Story.

Organizers expect about 200 people to attend.

Miss Jackson 2005 Brianne Walton and Kirk Williams will be the evening's emcees. It's a black tie optional affair -- meaning men have the choice of suits or tuxedos.

A silent and vocal auction will include two Lasik eye surgeries, a monthly dinner for two for one year at Mollie's restaurant in Cape Girardeau and the opportunity -- with purchase of a $50 glass of champagne -- to win a 90-point carat loose diamond.

Mid-Life Crisis will perform music from the 1970s and 1980s. The event will be catered by Trisha's of Sikeston, Mo., with the room designed by Custom Events and Lotus Naturescapes.