PRAYER BREAKFAST AND SHOOTOUT WILL INSPIRE US

The Show Me Center will host two extraordinary events this weekend, both of which impart excitement and inspiration. The success of the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast this morning and the Southeast Missourian Indian Alumni Shootout Saturday depends on a caring community. We are confident both will be rousing successes.

The Second Annual Indian Alumni Shootout will benefit the Cape Girardeau Civic Center. A portion of proceeds will also be earmarked for a special Southeast Missouri State University athletic scholarship fund.

Memories of past Indian glory will return Saturday as more than 30 basketball alumni take to the court. Many of these men are driving and flying here at their own expense. They believe in the Civic Center's mission. They won't be alone in their commitment. About 18 former cheerleaders will also return to salute the Indians and the Civic Center. These dedicated men and women will travel from as far as Pittsburgh, Atlanta and even Canada. Coach Ron Shumate and his dedicated staff also play a critical role in the shootout's success.

What's so important about the Civic Center? As Board President Ed Slaughter explains, the Civic Center is much more than a building in the eastern part of town. It has become a place where dreams can be realized and goals met. Its motto states the mission simply: "Helping our neighbors help themselves." The Civic Center serves low-income and "at-risk" youth with programs addressing vocational, recreational and educational needs. Established in 1959, the Civic Center remains not only a service, but an asset to our community, under the talented leadership of Calvin Bird. What could be more important than helping the youths of our community? The Southeast Missourian Indian Alumni Shootout combines an evening of fun with a gratifying cause.

About 1,200 tickets have been sold for this morning's Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. It marks the first sell-out crowd in its six-year history. A sports hero both on and off the field will witness to the crowd. Former San Francisco pitcher Dave Dravecky faced an unbelievable challenge. At the height of his career, he was struck down by a malignant tumor in his pitching arm. Dravecky fought the odds and staged a dramatic return after the tumor was removed. But the comeback was short lived as the cancer returned. In June of 1991, his arm was amputated. But Dravecky's story is not one of bitterness. He speaks to groups about his faith in God.

The breakfast promises to be an inspirational message for all those attending. The breakfast's growing success each year is a credit to the Christian Business Men's Committee, with special commendation to organizer Bill Terry. It demonstrates that in today's fast-paced world, there remains a place for spiritual fulfillment.

The Show Me Center will host events of goodwill, nostalgia and encouragement this weekend events to bend our hearts, stimulate our minds, and feed our souls. They will inspire us to reach farther, jump higher and never give up.