KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Bunko Babes of Tullahoma and GFWC Centennial Woman’s Club donated $7,100 to the Multi-County Cancer Support Network (MCCSN).

Renee Keene, a representative of GFWC Centennial Woman’s Club, said the Bunko Babes organization was established nearly two decades ago, and most members of the Bunko group are also part of the GFWC Centennial Women’s Club in Tullahoma.

“In 2009, one of the members lost her husband to cancer at a young age, and the family subsequently created a scholarship in his honor at Tullahoma High School,” Keene said. “To support this initiative, it was suggested that the group host a Bunko Challenge, leveraging their existing monthly gatherings and familiarity with the game.”

The inaugural Bunko Challenge took place in 2009, and the event has been hosted annually, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She said over the years, the game has been taught to numerous individuals, ranging from 3 to 90-years-old, with the mantra “if you can roll dice, I can teach you how to play.”

“Following the first year, the decision was made to establish the event as an annual ladies’ gathering, held in October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to donate funds to a relevant charity,” Keene said. “The group has been impacted by breast cancer, with several members having battled or continuing to fight the disease, and the loss of a member to breast cancer a few years ago.”

Local businesses have been generous to the Bunko Babes and the GFWC, according to Keene, by donating door prizes and providing sponsorship support, as exemplified by Cumberland Radiation/Tullahoma Imaging’s contribution in the previous year.

The funds are typically donated to the Multi-County Cancer Support Network, which provides emotional, educational, and financial support to cancer patients and their families across eight counties.

“This year’s donation to MCCSN amounts to $7,100, bringing the total donations to over $60,000,” Keene said.

The next event is scheduled to take place in October at Lakewood Country Club, and tickets are expected to sell quickly. For further information, those interested may contact Keene at 931-607-0025 or connect with her on Facebook, where event details are posted.