WHITEY HERZOG TO BE FEATURED SPEAKER AT UW KICKOFF LUNCHEON

Whitey Herzog should be a home-run hitter for the Area Wide United Way campaign kickoff luncheon next month.

Since Cape Girardeau is a baseball community, Herzog seemed like a natural choice, said United Way executive director Nancy Jernigan. About 300 people are expected to attend the kickoff luncheon for the Area Wide United Way. The luncheon will be held Wednesday at the Drury Lodge.

The kickoff luncheon is actually the official start of the 1996 fund-raising campaign for the United Way and its agencies. The Area Wide United Way serves 19 agencies in Scott City, Jackson and Cape Girardeau. Its campaign goal also will be announced at the luncheon.

The second annual Days of Caring on Sept. 6 and 7 is another major part of the fund-raising campaign. Volunteers, recruited from area businesses, will work in the agency offices during those days.

"Once they get into the agencies, their attitude is different about giving," Jernigan said. "It's an education process."

Herzog was chosen as the celebrity speaker to begin the local education process. He will be joined by Charlie Neese, honorary chairperson.

Herzog retired as manager of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team in 1990. He worked nine seasons with the Cardinals and spent the last four decades in a baseball career. He and his wife, Mary Lou, live in St. Louis.

Tickets for the kickoff luncheon are available at Boatmen's Bank on William Street and in Jackson, Schnuck's on Kingshighway, JCPenney's and at the Area Wide United Way office, 1831 Broadway.