Mercy Gala announced, titled 'Evening Under the Sun'

Organizers of the 19th annual Cap ture the Spirit Gala, sponsored by Mercy Health Center Foundation, are planning an " Evening Under the Sun" with Italian food and entertainment.

The annual benefit is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., adjacent to the Mercy Lake. However, Ken Lunt, gala chairman, stated that conversations are currently underway with the owner of the former Wal-mart building to utilize the unoccupied por tion of the building for the gala if the space is not rented prior to mid to late July.

" We are very excited about this year's gala, and as always, it will con tain some surprises for guests through out the evening," said Lunt. " The com mittee has been working diligently on plans for the last two months with some planning beginning soon after last year's gala was over. From planning the menu to invitations, every aspect of the event is 'recreated' each year to keep it fresh and exciting for our guests." Providing entertainment at the gala will be the band Private Stock that entertained guests in 2007. The band is from Kansas City and plays a wide range of listening and dance music spanning the 60's through the 90's. The show band features a husband and wife singing duo that has performed for a number of charity benefits in the Kansas City area.

"The annual gala is one of the pre mier fundraising benefits in the region and has raised in gross revenues in excess of $850,000 over the last 18 years with all proceeds remaining in the community to purchase hospital equip ment and expand services," added Lunt. Proceeds from the gala will be used toward the construction of the new Mercy Cancer Care Center.

Reservation prices will remain the same as in 2007: $45 for individual reservations; Donor level, $ 160 per couple; Spirit Sponsors (table of ten), $ 800; and a Corporate Benefactor ( two tables of ten) $1,600 and up.

Reservations will be accepted begin ning August 1. For more information call Carla Bryant Farmer, Mercy Devel opment Office, (620) 223-7026.