Bunko is Back! Popular benefit returns April 29 to benefit Lady Lion basketball
Monday, April 10, 2017
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – After a three-year hiatus, Bunko for Basketball, the popular fundraiser
for Southeastern Louisiana University Lady Lion basketball, is returning on April
29.
Hosted by PRIDE, the Lady Lions’ support and mentoring group, Bunko for Basketball
is set for 6-9 p.m. at the War Memorial Student Union Ballroom. Tickets, $40 in advance
or $45 at the door, are on sale and can be purchased from any PRIDE member, through
Eventbrite online and at the Dugas Center for Southeastern Athletics, 800 Galloway
Drive, 985-549-2395.
In addition to the fun and fast-paced Bunko games, Bunko for Basketball will
feature food and drinks, prizes and a silent auction.
“Yes, we’re back! PRIDE is so excited to be bringing Bunko for Basketball back
to Hammond, America. We’ve missed it, too,” said PRIDE President Rita Bertolino. She
added that although PRIDE is an all-female group, “Bunko is a festive night for singles
and couples alike, so deck yourselves out with Southeastern green and gold spirit
and join us for the fun.”
Bunko for Basketball is co-chaired by Patsy Causey and Suzanne Oescher, and Gina
Perrilloux is coordinating donations for the silent auction. Pictures of auction items
can be viewed on the PRIDE Facebook page.
PRIDE (Positive Role-models Involved in the Development of Excellence) has been
supporting the Southeastern women’s basketball program since 2006. The organization’s
endowed PRIDE Scholarship provides Lady Lion student-athletes with financial support
for post sports eligibility coursework. To date, PRIDE has raised $121,000 for the
scholarship and nine Lady Lions have completed their degrees with the scholarship’s
assistance.
PRIDE also hosts annual alumni and Senior Day socials, provides holiday meals,
and helps market the team through its Lady Lion trading cards and “Spotlight Player
of the Game” promotions. Some members serve as one-on-one mentors for individual Lady
Lions, helping them cope with everything from overcoming homesickness to setting career
goals.
For information on Bunko for Basketball, call Bridget Giaratano at 985-549-2395,
email ladylionpride@southeastern.edu or visit PRIDE on Facebook.