Bunco for Breast Cancer Research

13 February 2006

CINCINNATI, Ohio – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Prilosec OTC, the number one selling over-the-counter heartburn medicine(2), is joining the fight against breast cancer, the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. To reach the goal of raising up to $1 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Prilosec OTC will donate 10 cents for each box of the product sold between February 12 and March 12, 2006. Additionally, Prilosec OTC has offered more than one thousand Bunco enthusiasts from across the United States the opportunity to continue fundraising efforts by playing Bunco to beat breast cancer at the first-ever Bunco World Championship, an event sanctioned by The World Bunco Association, which will be held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas February 25-26.

The Oxygen Network will air a special one-hour primetime special in March featuring the Championship action and the personal stories of select players. Breast cancer research supporter Marg Helgenberger will also be on hand at the Championship to encourage participants, many of whom are playing the dice game in honor of a friend or family member with breast cancer.

"I'm pleased to be able to partner with Procter & Gamble and Prilosec OTC to raise money for breast cancer. It's fantastic that they've engaged so many women to come out to Las Vegas to continue the fundraising efforts at the Bunco World Championship -- it's a positive way to get women talking and focusing on the need for breast cancer research and education," said Marg Helgenberger.

For those who cannot attend the event, but want to help raise $1 million for the NBCF, Prilosec OTC is offering one-of-a-kind Bunco kits, which will be sold online at PrilosecOTC.com. A portion of the sales from these kits will be donated from February 12 - March 31.

Phenomenon of Bunco

Bunco may not be a household name, but it is rapidly becoming a household game. This dice game favored by women as an alternative to "poker night" has been steadily gaining popularity. In the past year, over 59 million women have played Bunco and over 27 million play regularly. Like most dice games, Bunco is based primarily on luck. However, for the women who play, it is not merely a game, but a reason to get together with female friends for a home cooked dinner, a delicious dessert, good gossip and just plain fun. Traditionally, women have also used these gatherings as an opportunity to talk with friends about health concerns like breast cancer as well as to raise money for breast cancer research. In the last five years, local Bunco clubs have raised more than $350,000 for breast cancer research and education. To help maintain the tradition, Prilosec OTC has created a one of a kind event for Bunco fans and a pledge to raise money for breast cancer research.

"Each year, over 1 million women across the world are diagnosed with early breast cancer(1). Procter & Gamble is dedicated to women's health needs, and therefore has pledged to help raise money and awareness of breast cancer. We hope people will join us in the fight against breast cancer and support our efforts this winter," said Clarissa Niese, Assistant Brand Manager of Prilosec OTC.

Bunco To Beat Breast Cancer

The Prilosec OTC Bunco World Championship will take place at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas February 25-26. One thousand players will compete in the Championship for the grand prize of $50,000. Prilosec OTC will make a donation to the NBCF for each "Bunco" (three of a kind that matches with the current round) rolled during the Championship event. The event will also feature a "dueling pianos" booth, where people will be able to give money to hear their favorite song or to stop a song from being played. The Oxygen Network will premiere one-hour primetime special on the Championship on March 10 at 8:00 p.m., complete with an inside look at the women who play Bunco.