Bunco raises money for cancer

23 March 2007

CINCINNATI, Ohio – (PRESS RELEASE) -- Prilosec OTC, the number one selling over-the-counter heartburn medicine(1), is hosting the biggest Bunco party of the year with celebrity chef and entertaining expert Sandra Lee. Thousands of women from around the country will be heading to Las Vegas for the 2nd annual Prilosec OTC Bunco World Championship for a weekend of dice rolling, a chance to win $50,000 and to raise money for a cause important to many women - breast cancer.

Let's Go Bunco

Bunco may not be a household name, but it is rapidly becoming a household game. A dice game based solely on luck, Bunco was created almost 200 years ago in England. Players take turns trying to make three dice turn up as ones in the first round of play, twos in the second and so on. Rolling three of a kind is a "Bunco." Favored by women as an alternative to "poker night," Bunco has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States. Over 17 million women in the U.S. have played Bunco and over 7 million play regularly.

"For the women who play Bunco, it's not merely a game, but a reason to connect with female friends for a home cooked meal, good gossip and just plain fun," said Sandra Lee, celebrity chef. "I'm excited to be working with Prilosec OTC to help Bunco ladies across the country prepare for a great Bunco party - from easy recipes and decorations to great entertaining ideas. With just a little planning, anyone can throw a Bunco party that friends and family will be sure to enjoy."

Championship Premieres on Network TV

The Lifetime Network will premiere a one-hour special on the Championship in May complete with an inside look at the women who play Bunco. Check your local listings for exact dates and times.

The Road to the Tournament

The Prilosec OTC Bunco World Championship is the final stop on the Prilosec OTC Bunco World Tour, which kicked off in January 2007. Players from around the country competed in regional tournaments for a chance to earn a spot in the championship event. One winner from each regional event won $1,000 and a free trip to the Prilosec OTC Bunco World Championship event. The regional tournaments took place in Kansas City, MO, San Antonio, TX, Atlantic City, NJ and Nashville, TN. The Prilosec OTC Bunco World Championship, which is sanctioned by The World Bunco Association, will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas on March 31- April 1.

"We found that twice as many frequent heartburn suffers play Bunco regularly compared to the general population," said Karen Klei, Brand Manager of Prilosec OTC. "We know women talk about health issues when they get together, so this has been a great way to educate them about how they can avoid frequent heartburn, and reward them with an opportunity to win $50,000 and be crowned Prilosec OTC Bunco World Champion!"

Championship To Raise Money for Breast Cancer

Traditionally, Bunco groups around the country have gathered together and played for a cause important to many women - breast cancer. To continue this tradition, Prilosec OTC will make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) for each "Bunco" rolled during the Championship event. The event will also feature a raffle where players can purchase tickets for a chance to win celebrity autographed memorabilia with proceeds that will benefit the NBCF. Last year's Bunco Championship Event and partnership raised over $270,000 for the NBCF for breast cancer research.