Going pink in Colusa

Organizers of Colusa County's "Bowling for Boobs" were tickled pink.

The second annual event, which was held Sunday at Riverside Lanes in Colusa, brought levity to a dark topic but also was successful in raising awareness about breast cancer and treatment, while generating money to help local patients.

More than 40 people — inclduing nine teams — participated in the event, which raised more than $1,400 for the Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund, a local nonprofit established to provide patient support and raise awareness about the disease.

"This is a great event to help support," said Riverside Lanes owner Mike Wilkinson, who sponsored the event. "There are a lot of fantastic organizations out there, but it's nice to be involved in an event that helps local people and let them know the community cares about them."

Most of the bowlers, some dressed in elaborate pink and purple costumes, have heard the dreaded words "You've got cancer" or had friends and family members that battled the disease.

Michelle Rippe Lutz bowled in memory of her mother, Linda Rippe, and grandmother, Dolores Evans, both of whom suffered from breast cancer.

"Mom was only 43 when she died," Lutz said. "It was devastating."

Lutz, whose team consisted of her sister and cousins Jennifer Baird, Annie Mitchell and Carmen Mitchell, now do all they can to raise awareness.

Rippe, who died about 15 years ago, had never had a mammogram, and the cancer had begun spreading to the bone by the time she was diagnosed.

"I tell everyone to get a mammogram, whether they have insurance or not," Lutz said. "It's so important."

Lutz suffered tremendously from the disease, her daughter said, and was followed in death from breast cancer 10 years later by her own mother.

Until Evans' death, Lutz had not realized a family connection existed for the disease.

"I now get a mammogram every year," Lutz said. "If they ask me why I get one at 36, I tell them about my mother."

Since the Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund was established four years ago, local organizer Sherri Burns said it has helped raise more than $10,000 for patient support, primarily from the annual October Walk-a-thon and Destruction Derby.

Events have been so successful, the organization will begin helping with diagnostic care in the fall, Burns said.

"Our purpose has been to help with non-medical expenses," Burns said. "But now we can begin helping local people with examinations. It's pretty exciting."

The Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund will also be working this year with the North Valley Foundation to receive matching grants, as well as "I Care Cards," a greeting card company formed by Kim Davis and Marian Mathis to raise money for breast cancer research.

Burns said "I Care Cards" has agreed to donate 10 percent of its proceeds to the local cancer fund.

"We've have a lot of community support," said Burns. "It's terrific."

Despite the seriousness of the disease, Sunday's event was held to raise awareness and have fun at the same time.

"I'm strictly here to support the team," said Valorie Ingebretsen of Colusa, who was dressed entirely in pink and purple but suffers from chronic bilateral epicondolitis. "I can't bowl, so I'm the team cheerleader."

Williams Mayor Angela Fulcher and her husband, Keith, also participated in the event.

"It's a great cause," said Keith Fulcher, who's sister is a 5-year breast cancer survivor. "It's a great way to make people aware and raise money for support — and it's a lot of fun."

In addition to Bowling for Boobs and the annual cancer walk, the Colusa County Breast Cancer Fund is organizing additional fundraising activities, Burns said.

In addition to patient support, the money raised helps the fund educate the public about prevention and early detection of breast cancer.

CONTACT Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.