Chance event led to Eureka lunch tradition

A poster promoting an oncologist talk was the rocket that launched an annual fundraising event and raised more than $100,000 over 16 years for Wings Regional Cancer Support.

While Marianne Roose was campaigning for Lincoln County commissioner in 1998, she stopped in the Eureka Senior Center and saw the poster announcing a presentation by Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Dr. Barbara Gutschenritter for the Libby Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

After hearing Gutschenritter’s presentation, Roose decided she wanted to do something for her community to raise awareness about breast cancer and prevention in honor of her mother Louise Burk. Burk has grown up in Eureka and died in 1989 three months after being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Roose went out on a limb, called Gutschenritter to ask her if she’d be willing to give a talk for a fundraiser in Eureka and, to her surprise, the doctor answered, “I’d love to. I’ve never been asked.”

Gutschenritter was involved for several years. Other physicians have also provided their expertise. Dr. James Bonnet played a key role in the early years and Dr. Melissa Hulvat has been guest speaker the last five luncheons.

Co-founded with Roose’s good friend, Lynette Starling, the first Louise Burk Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon drew a packed crowd to the Eureka Senior Center. Gutschenritter suggested holding it in May on the Friday before Mother’s Day in honor of Roose’s mother. 

It was held on that day ever since for the last 16 years. 

The second year it filled to overflowing the parish hall at the Baptist Church. After that the luncheon moved to the fairgrounds and has drawn upwards of 250 people annually.

Her family was on board from day one, Roose said, helping plan and prepare the meal that always showcased one of “Grandma Burk’s” original recipes, from dumplings to sugar cookies.

This year’s luncheon raised $ 7,630 for the Wings Foundation that provides financial support for all types of cancer patients for expenses that insurance doesn’t cover such as mileage, lodging and meals.

Roose, who retired in 2012, says she has enjoyed every minute of planning the luncheons through the years, but never could have done it without her co-chairwoman Starling and the women who organize the silent auction. 

The memorial committee has decided this would be their final year but hope a new individual or group will step forward to sponsor a similar event.

More than 800 women — one in every eight — are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Montana. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second-leading cause of death. However, nearly 90 percent of women in Montana with localized breast cancer now survive at least 10 years after their diagnosis. 

“Even though the luncheon has come and gone, the benefits derived from this event are ongoing, Roose said. “The education given and received, the funds raised and donated to Wings and the support shown for each other through the fellowship have been an inspiration to all of us involved.

“There is truly a need to keep the education and support ongoing and we are happy to share what we’ve learned with someone willing to organize a new fundraiser.” 

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 758-4440 or by email at community@dailyinterlake.com.