The event, scheduled for 6 p.m., is designed to raise funds to renovate unfinished space in the facility that would provide four additional classrooms. A goal of $150,000 has been set.

Terri Todd and Larry Swindle are serving as co-chairs. Todd is directing the banquet; Swindle is coordinating lead gifts.

The theme of the dinner is "Education is the Key," and the event is being planned with a patriotic flair.

The Daily Dunklin Democrat, Southeast Bootheel Training Consortium, Delta Area Economic Opportunity Council, Baker Implement and Charles Brown Insurance are serving as sponsors of the event.

Marsha Blanchard, director of KAHEC, says the facility currently contains four classrooms, but additional finished space is needed as enrollment continues to grow. In Fall 2000, 170 students were enrolled at KAHEC. That number grew to 506 in fall 2001 and to 600 in spring 2002. KAHEC anticipates about 700 enrollments in Fall 2002 and plans to offer 64 credit hours in coursework, Blanchard said.

"We are utilizing every inch of space we have," she said, adding that 200 students have attended GED classes at the site and many community groups and industries have used the facility for meetings and training.

Blanchard says KAHEC has expanded from primarily night classes to a day schedule in order to fully utilize the building. In addition, KAHEC classes have been taught at the Kennett Public Schools, the Kennett Vocational School, Kennett High School and at Senath-Hornersville.

"We have really, really grown," she said.

To assist with the expansion project, a KAHEC student group will be conducting fund-raising activities in Kennett now through Nov. 12. She encourages residents in the community to be supportive of their efforts.

Tickets for the dinner are $35 each. Checks should be made payable to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. To reserve tickets, to make a contribution or to find out about other KAHEC opportunities, call the Kennett Area Higher Education Center at (573) 888-0513.