By Lori EhdeAn event at the Palace Theatre next weekend will combine the talents of local medical professionals with area musicians to benefit Children’s Miracle Network.The CMN Music Gala will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, with the doors opening at 6 p.m.Luverne music lover Sue Sandbulte came up with the idea and organized the event."I just could see all the talent we had in the hospital, and Children’s Miracle Network is such a good cause," said Sandbulte, who works as the service excellence representative for the hospital."And what better way to bring hospital staff and physicians together to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network?"A sampling of the lineup includes Dr. Diane Kennedy co-emceeing with KELO-TV weatherman Shawn Cable, who will also perform on stage.Renowned opera singer Emily Lodine will headline the musical acts with both a solo and duet with Cable.Dr. Joshua Crabtree and his wife, Emily (Bowron), will sing, and Dr. Don Smith will perform a comedy routine.Other comedians will include long-time hospital nurses Karen Roberts and Ruth Opsata, who will bring a "Hee-Haw" type of humor to the stage."In between musical numbers we’re going to have little comedy acts, just to break it up and keep it light and fun," Sandbulte said."I’m getting really excited about it. I think there will be nothing better than seeing these doctors and nurses who take care of us up on stage," she said.Sandbulte usually finds herself on stage for musical events. She teaches 17 piano students, is musical director for the Green Earth Players and plays in the praise band of her church. But this time, she said she’ll be backstage handling the details.It’s been a big project to coordinate, she said, but she’s been getting help from lots of different places.Schmitt Music in Sioux Falls, for example, will donate the rental of a $30,000 grand piano for the event, Sioux Falls Music will donate the use of a sound system, and Prairie Smoke Floral will decorate the stage with flowers and greenery.Blue Mound Area Theatre Board member LaDonna Van Aartsen will unveil the original Palace backdrop that’s never been seen.All proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network. "The Telethon is just a few weeks away, so we wanted to be able to present a big check to them," Sandbulte said.The hospital typically donates $5,000 to $6,000 to CMN through year-round local fund-raisers like the Cookie Factory, helium balloons and gift sales."We just want people to know it’s going to be a grand event – a formal occasion. People are going to be all dressed up," Sandbulte said."I hope everyone comes out. It will be very entertaining."Tickets will be available at the door for $7. Call 449-1248 for more information.