KRCC set for 23rd telethon

SIKESTON -- For the past 23 years the overwhelming generosity of the residents of Sikeston and entire area have made it possible for the children attending Kenny Rogers Children's Center to receive services at no direct cost to their families.

The Center is once again relying on that kindness at this year's telethon, scheduled to run Saturday from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Sikeston Field House.

The telethon marks the biggest fund-raiser for the Center, which provides services to children throughout 10 counties in Southeast Missouri who need physical, occupational or speech therapy.

"All of the services we provide are at no direct cost to the families," said Michelle Fayette, executive director at the Center. "And we are also not part of a national group, so every bit of the money donated to us stays to help Southeast Missouri children."

While the telethon starts on Saturday, the unofficial kickoff for the event is Friday night with a dinner auction at the Sikeston Elks Lodge. The dinner auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $50 per person.

"We will play some games before dinner and then have the auction after dinner," Fayette said. "We have a lot of items donated from local businesses and things like trips to St. Louis, three handmade quilts and some sports memorabilia."

Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 472-0397.

This year's telethon will be packed with entertainment once again and those tuning in their local cable access channel or watching live will have the option of listening to many different kinds of music.

"The Gary Jones Band will be here and perform like they have in the past, but Bill Yates will be our special performer," Fayette said.

Yates, originally from Doniphan, has written songs sung by famous country singers like "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair," made famous by George Jones. He has other songs sung by country favorites like David Alan Coe, Ricky Van Shelton, Kenny Chesney and George Strait.

There will also be a Harley Davidson Bike Show, sponsored by the SEMO Hogs, from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday at the Field House. There will be four different classes: touring, cruiser, custom and sports. The motorcycle does not have to be a Harley Davidson to enter. For more information call Larry Diamond at 471-3170.

Former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Danny Cox will be in attendance on Saturday and Sunday. "He is coming straight up from spring training in Florida," Fayette said. "He will be here all weekend long for anyone who wants to drop in and say hello."

One of the most popular events of the telethon has been the fish fry offered by the James Bayou Catfish Cookers. They will be back again this year from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday with plates costing $7.

"Enough can't be said about the James Bayou Catfish Cookers," Fayette said. "One hundred percent of that $7 goes to the Center. They bring it all and pay for it all. They donate the plastic forks, the ketchup, the plates, everything."

There will also be a silent auction going on all weekend with things like Branson getaways and Cardinal tickets.

For more information on how you can help, contact the Center at 472-0397.