Fantasy Gala '08: Fantasy Becomes Reality
...................................................................................................................................................................................................
 

After-hours entertainment will be courtesy of exciting regional up-and-comer Candy Coburn.

Hosts for the evening are Craig and Tracy Curry. The Currys kicked off St. John’s-Lebanon’s fund-raising campaign in 2005 with a generous donation that allowed for cancer patients to be treated locally. The St. John’s Curry Cancer Center opened in February.

Messina is the first female country artist to score three multiple-week number-one songs from the same album: “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright,” and “Stand Beside Me,” all from her self-titled debut in 1996. Since then, Messina has had nine No. 1 hit singles and has been honored by the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the Grammy Awards.

The Foundation will use the performer’s appearance to support fund-raising efforts for its current capital campaign supporting St. John’s Curry Cancer Center completion, hospital expansions and community health projects.

“Jo Dee’s songs convey a musical message of optimism, strength and hope,” says St. John’s Hospital-Lebanon Vice President Karen Simpson. “We feel that her music helps celebrate triumph over adversity and makes her a great choice for helping us generate excitement as  expansion plans become reality.”

Last year's Fantasy Gala featured country music songwriter and performer Phil Vassar, who penned Messina's hits "Bye Bye" and "I'm Alright."

“People can enjoy a good, fun evening featuring talent that most likely wouldn’t be coming to Lebanon if it weren’t for the Foundation,” Craig Curry explains. “We want those attending to enjoy and feel appreciated for their support of the Foundation and the hospital.”

 “Craig and I are very excited to have Jo Dee Messina here in Lebanon,” says Tracy Curry. “It’s going to be another great evening to raise funds for local health projects and show appreciation to the many people who continue to support the Foundation and its efforts.”

Tickets for the entire evening, including social hour, dinner, both concerts, valet parking and commemorative gifts are $250 each or an entire table for eight may be reserved with a $2000 contribution to the foundation. Other sponsorships are available which include advertisement, recognition and promotion for the sponsor as well as tickets. The Currys hope proceeds from this year's event are enough to achieve the Foundation’s $3.4 million campaign goal.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, contact the foundation office at 417-533-6009 or visit www.stjohnslebanon.com.