BP Cancer Group pulls in $100K

The Blooming Prairie Cancer Group is well on its way to raising its second million dollars for cancer research and patient support.

Preliminary numbers from the 22^nd Annual Cancer Auction put last weekend’s total at more than $100,000.

That’s nearly double what was raised just two years ago, when the group broke the million-dollar mark after 20 years.

The annual event got its start in 2000, when Eunice Coughlin’s daughter died of cancer. Eunice asked her family to help her raise money for the Eagles Cancer Telethon; a silent auction, a bake sale and a dance brought in $1,700 – and Coughlin thought that was the end of it.

It was never intended to become a yearly tradition in Blooming Prairie, but “they made me out to be such a hero,” Coughlin said at the time, that she did it again and again and again.

This year’s event kicked off with gun Bingo, with about 200 tickets sold.

Live auctions were held both Friday and Saturday evening; the final tally of items and bids will be available next week. About 100 items were on the block each night.

Paul Tollefson held the lucky ticket for the all-cash raffle held in memory of Steve Prihoda; he won $1,000. Mike Hoffman won the $300 second prize; Jennifer Milton took home the $200 third prize.

A new twist this year featured $10 cupcakes – two with diamonds inside.

Friday night’s cupcake held a diamond necklace, bought – and found – by Cindy Owen, of Starbuck.

Saturday night, Kaylee Far bought the cupcake that held a diamond cocktail ring.

In addition to continuing Coughlin’s contributions to the annual Eagles Cancer Telethon in Rochester, The BP Cancer Group has expanded its giving over the years, partnering with the Hormel Institute for cancer research, and creating the Community Fund.

It provides things like parking passes and gas cards for patients and families who are receiving treatment and incurring extra expenses.