West Plains Bank and Trust Company has donated $1,000 to the Cystic Fibrosis West Plains Chapter to support research into cures and treatments for cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition present at birth that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
The disease requires lifelong treatment to improve the quality of life for sufferers and extend their lifespan, and there have been advances in both over the last several decades while progress is made towards a cure.
This spring's annual cystic fibrosis fundraising concert will feature country artist and native Missourian Sara Evans. It will be held 7 p.m. March 16 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis Street. Ticket prices for adults are $30 in advance or $40 at the door, and $5 for children age 12 and younger whether purchased in advance or at the door. Tickets may be purchased at West Plains Bank in West Plains and Willow Springs, and may be charged by phone by calling the civic center at 417-256-8123, at Ticketmaster.com/Sara Evans, or by scanning a QR code on promotional posters that will take users to the Ticketmaster website.
The evening will include silent and live auctions and a local singing group, Jessica's Friends, will open for Evans. All children and teens interested in participating are welcome. The group will hold its first practice at 2 p.m. Sunday in the West Plains Elementary School gym, and the same time March 3 and 10, also in the gym. A final rehearsal will take place at 6 p.m. March 15 in the West Plains Civic Center, all under the direction of Diane Reed.
To donate items for the auction, which will precede the musical performances, contact Lois Frazier at 417-256-5388.
Additionally, fundraiser father-daughter dances will be held this weekend, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Rubydoo's Vintage Events, 9240 County Road 9190, off of ZZ Highway. Reservations are still available for the Sunday event. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers, or other family and friends are encouraged to bring their favorite "princess" to a fairytale-themed evening of dancing, photos and food. The cost is $25 per pair and $5 per additional princess up to age 21.
All proceeds will be donated to the local cystic fibrosis foundation and tickets may be bought through the Venmo app by sending money to @Ruby-Collins-2. For questions, call Ruby Collins at 417-293-1331.
