Cardinals manager Mike Matheny to appear at River Campus

St. Louis Cardinals fans will get a first-hand opportunity to quiz manager Mike Matheny about the team thanks to a new event announced today by the Southeast Missourian and rustmedia.

"The State of Cardinals Nation with Mike Matheny" presented by First Missouri State Bank and benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri will take place Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus in Cape Girardeau. A VIP reception will begin at 6 p.m. with the event beginning at 7 p.m.

Matheny will address the crowd on topics ranging from the Cardinals to his faith, character building and youth sports before fielding questions from the audience for 30 minutes.

Matheny, a former MLB catcher who has been the Cardinals manager since 2012, visited the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau last year as part of the Arrow Leadership and Success Summit, which was hosted by Southeast Missouri State's student newspaper in partnership with the Missourian.

"Last year, Mike Matheny inspired everyone with his message. This year, he promises to extend his message with new insights about being the best person possible, while offering his leadership perspective on the Cardinals 2015 season and what's in store for next year," said Jon K. Rust, publisher of the Southeast Missourian and co-president of Rust Communications. "And, he'll be helping to raise money for a tremendous charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters. We encourage everyone interested to get their tickets early because we expect another sellout."

Tickets for the event will go on sale Oct. 14 online at www.semissourian.com/Matheny, via phone by calling 573-388-2761 or in person at the Southeast Missourian offices located at 301 Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

General admission tickets are $20 and a limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $100. VIP ticket-holders will get a signed copy of Matheny's best-selling book "The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life," and an opportunity to a take a photo with him as well as entrance to the VIP reception, which will feature heavy hors d'oeuvres, an open bar and preferred seating.

Businesses or individuals who choose to sponsor the event can secure VIP tickets before they go on sale by contacting Lucas Presson at lpresson@srustmedia.com or 573-388-3649.

A portion of all ticket sales as well as all money raised through an online auction and raffle at the event will be donated to Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. The organization pairs adults with young people to provide them with supportive role models and introduce them to new experiences.

Studies have shown that youth who participate in the program are more likely to attend school and earn a college degree while being less likely to begin using drugs or alcohol while in school.

"This year we are celebrating 15 years of service to the children of Cape Girardeau County," said Becky James Hatter, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. "We are so grateful for the support and partnership. Cape Girardeau is a very special community to our organization. Being a part of 'The State of Cardinals Nation with Mike Matheny' is our big opportunity -- a special way for us to celebrate this milestone anniversary and launch the next 15 years of service."

First Missouri State Bank President, CEO and Chairman of the Board Steve Taylor and Executive Vice President Jay Knudtson will moderate the question-and-answer session with Matheny.

"We are all honored to align our image and our brand with one as prestigious as the St. Louis Cardinals and Mike Matheny," Taylor said.