Gala fashion: Step out in style at the 'Cure for Cancer' gala

The annual American Cancer Society Gala is one of Cape Girardeau's biggest benefits in terms of size and money raised. And after meeting with co-chairwoman Victoria Moon, I quickly discovered that the people on the guest list are deeply invested in the cause and the people it helps.

Victoria and I met for an interview at Starbucks. Casually dressed but stylish nonetheless, she's a busy mom of three and the wife of dermatologist Dr. Charles Moon. When she started talking about the Aug. 24 gala (this year's theme is Samba for Life), I felt her passion about all the work the American Cancer Society can do -- and the people who benefit -- because of the success of this event.

"We help the Cape Girardeau community, but also those in the smaller towns outside of Cape come here for the high-quality care and treatment," she says.

Gala attendees are mistakenly seen as a monolithic group with high society and the medical community as a base. Victoria hopes that will change as she reaches out to other groups, especially the students from Southeast Missouri State University.

"It's not just for the medical community. Philanthropy is important to college students, too," she says. Sacrificing a night out on the town or splurging on a designer dress is worth it to help a great cause, and to meet professionals and local residents who feel the same way but are at different stages of life.

Speaking of designer dresses, the question I waited patiently to ask Victoria was what she will be wearing to the gala. She said she has not decided, but confessed she does "a lot of online shopping." She plans to see what the Andrew Jackson has to offer, because the Jackson formal wear store is a faithful contributor to the gala. I met with owner Athena Albright recently and was shown some beautiful gowns that would be perfect for an event such as this.

As far as accessories go, Victoria said she loves shopping in downtown Cape for unique jewelry to spruce up a dress. I also suggest Somewhere in Time Antiques for one-of-a-kind pieces with an Old World flair. A little pearl with glitz goes a long way, and Somewhere in Time is full of pearls and much more!

Whether in downtown Cape or Uptown Jackson, gala attendees have much to choose from to look their best at the gala.