Four new scholarships have been endowed at the $10,000 level for SAHEC students. They are the Bo Ralph Distributing Co. Scholarship, the Jaycees Scholarship, the Founders One Scholarship and the Arvin Meritor Scholarship. The event is designed to raise need-based and merit scholarship funds for the 1,200 students who attend the Center. Currently, there are only four designated scholarships for SAHEC students.

"In order to provide for our many students who need financial assistance, we hope we have a big crowd join us February 7," said Judy Buck, SAHEC director. "We are asking that everyone help be a part of the growth of our Center and the regional area by supporting our scholarship dinner auction."

Several sponsors also have stepped forward with $1,000 commitments. They are Bill Green, John Sells, Citizens Bank of Charleston, Mo., and Jim and Judy Buck.

Bill Priday, chairman of auction items for the dinner, said many items already have been donated to be auctioned at the event. They include original framed paintings by local artists Ann Schuchart and Judy Comer, and a pen and ink collage featuring Sikeston area sites by Lynn Lancaster. Other items to be auctioned include a one-week stay at Bill Burch's condominium in Panama City, Fla., tickets for a show in Branson, Mo., gift certificates from Helen's Florist and the Accent Shop, a framed print from Morgan Furniture in Dexter, Mo., and an office chair from Scheffer's Office Furniture and Business Machines.

Speaking at the dinner auction and dance will be SAHEC students Lisa Shanle of Sikeston, Mo., and Bradley Glenn of Scott City, Mo.

Entertainment will be provided by the Jerry Ford Band. Tickets are $35 each. A sponsor's reserved table of 10 is $1,000. Tickets are available at SAHEC.

For more information about the upcoming dinner auction and dance, call Jane Stacy, Southeast director of development at (573) 651-2930; Judy Buck at (573) 472-3210; Kim Heckemeyer at (573) 472-0290; or Brian Menz at (573) 471-6688.