Auction/awards

This weekend people will gather in downtown Cape Girardeau to honor a local visionary and raise money through Old Town Cape's annual Charles L. Hutson Auction.

This is the 25th year for the auction, which has been important for the organization's operation and the revitalization of the downtown area Hutson cared so much about.

Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape, said the auction is the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year. Silent and live auctions will be held, and Mills said there are some unique items and experiences included.

Thank you to the individuals and businesses who generously donate items for the auction. A special thanks also to the Hutson family. Hutson, who died in 2003, was an advocate for downtown Cape Girardeau, and his legacy continues through events like this auction as well as through his wife, Judi, and sons, Chris and Dave, who manage the family furniture store in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Saturday's event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Dockside the Upper Deck. Individual tickets are still available for $35 by calling Old Town Cape at 334-8085. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Tables of 8 are available for $280.

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Congratulations to Old Town Cape for its recent award for Best Economic Restructuring Project at the Missouri Main Street conference recently held in St. Louis. Hats off also to Claire Bruce, owner of Merchapolitan and Sloan and Themis, for being recognized at the same conference with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year award.