COEUR d’ALENE — The 12th annual Bras on Dudes raised $30,000 that was presented Wednesday to the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.

“It’s a lifeline,” said Brooke Breckenridge, vice president of Cancer Care Northwest. “It is honestly such a godsend for these patients here.”

The Oct. 6 event at the Coeur d’Alene Casino featured a show with men wearing decorated bras, more like costumes, really, along with music and auctions. About 300 people attended.

Organizer Holly Hansen said all proceeds stay in North Idaho. It also raised about $30,000 the previous year.

“It’s a fun event that raises money for a good cause, and it’s really needed in our community,” Hansen said.

Bras on Dudes raised a record $35,000 in 2021.

Funds raised this year were donated to the Windermere Foundation, which in turn donated the money to the Cancer Care Northwest Foundation.

Cancer Care Northwest is a nonprofit that helps Inland Northwest cancer patients and their families through educational, emotional and financial support. 

Richard Jurvelin with the Windermere Foundation said their focus is helping families of limited means.

The funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as paying electric bills, buying food or for medical bills.

Breckenridge said they recently helped a mom battling cancer and struggling to provide for her family. 

Another patient received a gasoline card, another an oxygen tank, while others have received assistance with medical expenses.

It helps ease the minds of those facing life-threatening challenges, Breckenridge said.

“This is just an amazing gift we can give them,” she said.

This year’s Bras on Dudes is scheduled Oct. 4 at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.