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NewsNovember 15, 1996

Southeast Showcase's "Westward, Ho!" saluted the hearty pioneers who crossed the Mighty Mississippi to settle the West. Hosted by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation at the Show Me Center, the Thursday night event drew over 1,000 people. Since its inception in 1988, Southeast Showcase has netted over $100,000 to benefit patient care services at Southeast Missouri Hospital, said Charles Stotz, executive director at Southeast Foundation...

Cathy Lenny

Southeast Showcase's "Westward, Ho!" saluted the hearty pioneers who crossed the Mighty Mississippi to settle the West.

Hosted by the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation at the Show Me Center, the Thursday night event drew over 1,000 people.

Since its inception in 1988, Southeast Showcase has netted over $100,000 to benefit patient care services at Southeast Missouri Hospital, said Charles Stotz, executive director at Southeast Foundation.

This event is the major fund raiser of the year for the foundation. Most of the proceeds go to patients who are unable to afford health care.

"I support any health care institution in the community providing service and giving care," says Kathy Swan, who has attended the last five years.

Dr. Janet Ruopp has attended the past three years and wishes to support the hospitals and the university for the services they provide and because they are large employers in the area.

"This may turn out to be the largest turnout we have had," says Jim Wente, administrator at Southeast.

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More than 40 area restaurants and vendors were represented, donating both time and food for the event.

"It's an opportunity to bring our products in front of people that we wouldn't have otherwise," said Brad Eggimann of the Sweet Shop. "It's one thing to advertise, it's another to put it in their hands."

Showcase food booths served food from 6 to 8:30 p.m., when Terry Mike Jeffrey took the stage. Jeffrey, a Kentucky native, has toured the country with his band since 1975, producing five albums and a number of singles.

A living history adaptation of the westward adventure included a dance presentation of American Indian life. Each member of the group chose an Indian tribe to represent and was dressed in authentic Indian attire.

Also participating were members of the Zenon River Brigade, who portrayed life in the U.S. prior to 1830.

Previous Showcase themes have included "Bourbon Street Blues," "New York, New York" and "Motown Impressions." Next year's theme will be "Thursday Night Fever," featuring a disco theme.

"What makes Southeast Showcase a unique event is its different themes," say Stotz. "The theme this year allows us to capture a fascinating part of our heritage and recall the spirit of westward adventure that made Missouri the 'Gateway to the West.'"

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