Bunco game raises $8,200 to help battle against cancer

Three generations from the Axtell family attended the Bunco Benefit -- Debra Axtell Stephanie, Kayla Stephanie, Angelina Axtell and Evelyn Axtell.

"No Woman Left Unscreened" was the theme of the 6th Annual Bunco for Breast Cancer fundraiser held Feb. 28 in Mountain Home.

A total of 128 women from all over the Treasure Valley traveled to Mountain Home to play Bunco, and raised $8,200 for the cause.  The American Legion Hall was turned into a sea of pink for an evening to benefit women in their fight against breast cancer.  The event sold out in record time after registration opened Feb. 1.  

Proceeds from the benefit go to the St. Luke's Health Foundation and provide assistance with  mammograms to women who cannot afford screenings.

A registration fee of $20 per person reserved a spot at a bunco table.  Raffle tickets were sold for chances at winning one of 45 gift baskets, all donated by local businesses and individuals, as well as several silent auction items.

The Bunco fundraiser was started in 2004 in Mountain Home as a way for women to join together, have fun, meet new friends and raise awareness of the importance of early breast cancer screenings. 

Vicky Prouty, the event founder, credits the success of the fundraiser to the "generous support of sponsors, local businesses and from friends and neighbors in Southern Idaho."   

Prouty and her regular Bunco group, which meets monthly, prepare for months  to secure sponsors, prize donations and recruit players from all over southern Idaho. 

The event committee for 2009 included Toni Hill, Rose Axtell, Suzanne Bresnahan, Toni Reynolds, Fran Hicks, Tammy Hart, Mary Axtell, Bonnie Henderson,  Cortnie Krohn, Patty Matlock, Dawn Hart, and Shannon Beaver. 

Sponsors for the event were Roberts Truss, Axtell Painting, Guaranty Title, B-Transfer, Home Lumber, Century 21, and Fitness Plus. 

Friends of Bunco included Hawkins Company, Oxford Suites, The Dental Center, Albertson's, Paul's Market, St. Luke's, Zeta B's, Beta Zeta's, ESA Sorority, American Legion Post 26, and many individuals and businesses who donate to the gift baskets.

The Mountain Home Bunco website can be found at www.geocities.com/mhbunco where a link to the St. Luke's Health Foundation also can be found.