Newspaper columnist and television talk-show host Cal Thomas will speak in Cape Girardeau Nov. 3 during an anti-abortion benefit dinner.

Thomas is a 35-year veteran of broadcast and print journalism.

His syndicated newspaper column appears in the Southeast Missourian. On Saturday and Sunday, he hosts a national prime-time television talk show on CNBC.

He is author of nine books, including his latest, "The Things That Matter Most," with a forward from Rush Limbaugh.

Thomas' Cape Girardeau appearance is sponsored by the Vitae Society. The society, whose name means "life" in Latin, is conducting an informational campaign against abortion by using television and radio commercials in local markets.

Thomas' appearance in Cape Girardeau is a way to raise awareness of the project and to raise money, explained Carol Landwehr, president of the Vitae Society.

"I expect Cal Thomas to address a wide variety of issues, including abortion," said Landwehr. "He has a talent to connect related social events and bring it all together in relation to the nation's loss of moral character."

Thomas said, "I cannot minimize the importance in a `life-unfriendly' media environment of getting messages like this that are positive, that are truthful, out to the American people."

The dinner will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau. The event is complimentary, but reservations are required.

Call 1-800-393-5791 to make reservations. At the end of the program, those attending will be asked to help fund the Vitae Society's programs, primarily advertising.

Last year former abortion clinic owner Carol Everett spoke at a similar dinner in Cape Girardeau.

A crowd of about 500 heard her speak. The event generated about $40,000 to buy advertising.

"We have overlooked the power of mass media and it's ability to connect with millions of people in 30 seconds," said Landwehr. "I wish we had known 25 years ago what business people have known about this power."

The Vitae Society was organized in 1990. In 1997, it operated with a budget of just under $1.5 million.

In the Southeast Missourian, advertising was purchased for three months: September, October and November.