KYLE MURPHY Staff Writer

The Bunco Babes organization was established 21 years ago, and most members of the Bunco 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.

To support this initiative, it was suggested that the group host a Bunco Challenge. Over the years, Renee Keene, a member of GFWC and Bunco Babes, said she has taught many, ranging from three to 90-years-old, with the mantra “if you can roll dice, I can teach you how to play.”

The inaugural Bunco Challenge took place in 2009, and the event has been hosted annually, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

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 exceptionally generous, donating door prizes and providing sponsorship support. 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.

Last year, the Bunco Babes made over $7,300.00, bringing the total donations to almost $70,000. The next event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Lakewood Country Club at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are expected to sell quickly. The deadline to purchase tickets, which are $40 per person, is Saturday, Oct. 24. Those wanting to write checks are asked to make them payable to GFWC Centennial Woman’s Club and to mail them to Teresa Young, 1210 Wilson Ave., Tullahoma, TN, 37388.

For further information about tickets or the event, contact Renee Keene at 931-607-0025.

This story is part of our annual Breast Cancer Awareness special section, which is available to our subscribers. Those interested in subscribing can go and click here and sign up for a subscription.