Rotary district conference to be held in Cape

They've raised thousands of dollars to administer polio vaccinations to people around the world.

They operate a special camp for handicapped children. They sponsor blood drives and have paid for 2,900 eye surgeries for blind people in India.

On April 25 and 26, around 350 Rotarians from eastern Missouri's 65 clubs will visit Cape Girardeau for Rotary District 6060's conference, "Sow the Seeds of Love."

"It's a chance for Rotarians to come together, not just for fellowship, but to learn more about what Rotary has been doing locally and internationally," said Jerry McClanahan of Cape Girardeau, governor of district 6060.

The annual conference hasn't been held in Cape Girardeau since 1996.

The location each year is based on where the district's governor resides.

Hosting the conference will mean added business for Cape Girardeau hotels, restaurants and retailers.

"It'll be a boost for Cape's economy," McClanahan said. "I hope we impress the visitors enough that they'll want come back to Cape."

The two-day conference will begin with a golf tournament at Dalhousie Golf Course and a tour of historic Cape Girardeau sites.

Other events include sessions on Rotary Club's service projects and international exchange programs.

The conference concludes with a governor's banquet Saturday evening.

"It's going to be fun, but mainly it's educational, really a learning experience," said McClanahan.