Area residents, including businesses and individuals, are again helping to reach out to breast cancer survivors during October, the traditional Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Bling

The Bling A Bra  contest is again getting under way at Nature's Corner. Several entries are already on display, and residents are invited to bring decorated bras to the flower shop. Customers will "vote" for their favorite by donating money in the jar corresponding to a bra. Visit with Cindy Elwick and her staff at the shop for more information. 

Bingo

A new event, Playing for a Cure, is set for Oct. 25. The Bingo and bake sale event will take place at Vinton-Shellsburg High School;  doors open at 1:30 p.m. ; Bingo games will begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets for Bingo are $10 before Oct. 18, $15 at the door, or $5 for children 12 and under.

Bake sale items will be offered for a free will donation.

Tickets are available at Ehlinger’s Vinton Express. Funds raised will go toward the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation’s Gifts of Hope Fund.

Ribbons and Koozies

Also at Ehlinger's, customers can buy pink ribbons to honor breast cancer survivors and their families. Later this week, pink Koozies will also be for sale.

Proceeds from these events go toward local breast cancer causes, including the Survivors of Benton County and the Virginia Gay Hospital Foundation Gifts of Hope program which provides funding for women's health care. 

Pink yard painting

Alan Merchant is offering painted 6' pink ribbons on your yard. If you're a survivor he'll add "survivor" on the ribbon. The paint is water based so won't become a permanent addition to your yard. Cost is $30 and all proceeds go to Benton County Survivors who have hosted the Party in Pink 5K and offer support to each other and newly diagnosed women. Leave a message with Alan and he will return your call to make arrangements, 472-2135.