THE PUBLIC MIND: CANCER GALA ORGANIZERS THANK VOLUNTEERS, DONORS

To the Editor:

We want to thank all of you who attended and supported the annual benefit gala of the American Cancer Society -- "Space Ody~ssey." We believe that the tireless efforts of many volunteer~ and the donations of our sponsors combined to produce an evening that will long be remembered. The enjoyment of the evening's social activities will only be exceeded by the impact that funds raised will have in the fight against cancer, not only in Cape County but throughout the Bootheel of Missouri.

None of the work of the American Cancer Society would happen without volunteers and the financial support of the public. Many of those good people planned, created, attended and supported the "Space Odys~sey." Cancer fighters come in all ages and types, such as the college fraternity that cheerfully brought car~s in sub-freezing weather to guests, or the college sorority members who stubbornly asked dinner guests to purchase just one more ticket for the raffle, or the husband and wife teams and singles who donated hundreds of hours to assure a successful fund raiser, or the local professional and business people that submitted bids much higher than the value of displayed items in the silent auction so that their donation would make a difference. Dozens and dozens of people worked, hundreds more enjoyed and contributed, and thousands of Missourians will benefit.

The money raised through benefit events like "Space Ody~ssey" is the life blood of the American Cancer Society and it~s support of many programs in research, education and patient services. The American Cancer Society remains the largest non-governmental funder of research in the world, having funded twenty four Nobel Peace Prize winners. Our local Cape County unit provides direct patient services to over 165 people annually in the amount of $24,063. These services include home medical equipment, wigs, dre~ssings, medication, transportation, assistance and gift items. We serve over 600 patients annually in the 10 Bootheel counties of Missouri with visitor and support programs like "Reach to Recovery," "Can Surmount" and "Road to Recovery."

The public and professional education programs of the Cape County unit reached over 27,069 adults and youth in 1992 with $64,111 worth of services. We invite your involvement and question~s concerning the American Cancer Society. Call us at 334-9197 or write American Cancer Society, 937 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

We, the co-chairs of the 1993 Cancer Gala, salute all you volunteers and donor~s. You are the American Cancer Society lifeline and you are winning the war on cancer.

Lauchette and Joe Low

Beverly and Ed Noffel

Mary Ann and Bert Kellerman

Viney Mosley