Fund-raising was down, but the American Cancer Society said its annual gala at the Show Me Center Saturday night can still be counted a success.

About 400 people attended the event, which collected nearly $45,000 to be used to fund cancer education and research and to pay for treatment of area cancer patients. About 100 cancer patients are being served by the American Cancer Society's patient services.

Last year nearly 500 people attended and $60,000 was collected.

It was the 11th year the society has sponsored the gala. The theme celebrated regional French heritage in the form of a Krewe Ball. Authentic Mardi Gras '97 decorations collected by interior designer Al Phillips were used to create a carnivale atmosphere for revelers.

Entertainment was provided by Familiar Faces, a show and dance band from Nashville, Tenn. Food was provided by chefs from Mollie's Cafe and the Royal N'Orleans.

"Everything was wonderful and couldn't have looked or tasted better," said ACS development specialist Brian Yarbrough. "We got a lot of compliments on everything."

Yarbrough said the amount collected fell short of last year's fund-raising efforts mainly because local personnel restructuring caused a late start in gala planning.

He said the gala would not have been possible without the aid of at least 100 volunteers. There were many new faces, he said, both from within and outside of the organization.

"Some of the volunteers have helped with the gala since its conception 11 years ago.

Most of the money came from area corporations, small businesses, professionals and others. Karen Green, ACS president, said this year's gala had more sponsors than ever. Ambassador sponsors (corporate level) included Boatmen's Bank, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Cozean Jr., First National Bank, Fox 23 KBSI, HSCA, LDD, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lipps, McLane Investment and Development, Mercantile Bank, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Southeast Missouri State University and Union Planters Bank.

Area businesses also donated over 200 items for an auction. Yarbrough said the largest item auctioned was a fur coat donated by Hecht's. Other businesses donated merchandise, collectibles and services.