Pink Ribbon Luncheon attracts a full house

The Boundary County Women’s Cancer Support and Education Group hosted its 14th annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon at the Chic-N-Chop on October 21st, the back room filled to the brim with attendees. This event was made possible by the generous donations of many, including Safeway, who provided the flowers for the table and Sugarplum Floral who donated lovely corsages as well as the centerpiece. The impressive buffet consisted of a delicious selection of salads created by Ron Erickson and his helpful staff. Scott and Diana Stover of Shiloh Rising graced us all with their beautiful original music.

Group member Kathy Hanks once again did a fantastic job as emcee of the luncheon. Featured speaker Dr Susan Layeux was unfortunately unable to attend, so aerobics instructor Rebecca Huseby stepped in to save the day with a brilliant and inspirational speech about living one’s life to the fullest.

D.J. Cartwright’s name was drawn as the winner of the beautiful queen-sized quilt created by Ardie Bauman. Each year, in memory of her sister Annette, Ardie sews a spectacular original quilt and lovingly donates it to the group to raffle. Beulah Anderson won the drawing for the raffle gift basket.

In attendance were many group members, their friends, and folks whose lives have been touched by cancer. Among those present was Jacob Epstein of Bonners Ferry who lost his wife Mary to cancer nearly a decade ago. Jacob decided to carry on her spirit by establishing the annual Mary Epstein Award. Mary was the driving force in helping to create the support group, and each year the group is proud to name a new recipient in her honor. This year the 12th annual award was given to Helen Tapp, aesthetician and volunteer for the “Look Good/Feel Better” program associated with Community Cancer Services in Sandpoint.

All funds and contributions made to The Boundary County Women’s Cancer Support and Education Group stay local and for the benefit of Boundary County residents diagnosed with cancer. The nonprofit women’s group not only provides educational and emotional support through monthly meetings, but also provides financial assistance in the form of monthly gas vouchers to help ease some of the burden of necessary out-of-town medical trips for local cancer patients, both male and female. Meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month at noon at The Panhandle District Health Building on 7402 Caribou St. in Bonners Ferry. For more information, please contact Virginia at 208-267-2711 or Margaret at 208-267-3751.

A huge thank you is in order to our amazing community that has once again blessed us with its fantastic support, generosity, and kindness. We are able to do more because of the help of each and every one of you!