BY GIANNI UBRIACO 
A local breast cancer fundraiser was held July 2 at The Laughing Buddha on Elgin St.
The fundraiser's organizer, Dawn Bujold, an employee at the restaurant, will be participating in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer.
The weekend features a 60 km walk in Ottawa on July 21 to 23 as well as walks in other major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
"I wanted to bring the local community together,"
says Bujold, who was born and raised in Sudbury. "I've
got local artists performing and helping out to bring awareness
of breast cancer and breast health."
The entertainment began on the patio at the downtown restaurant
with solo sets from the Buddha's manager and
singer/songwriter, Matt Foy, as well as performances by Don
Kunto and Paul Loewenberg. Early evening performances on the
patio featured jazz pianist and songwriter Sarah Craig, and
included music artists Stephanie Fyfe and Kristen Brutto. The
sounds of music continued to fill the air throughout the late
evening and early morning as well with Sudbury's only
all-female trio, Betty Beats Veronica, and Reggae/Ska band The
Mondo Idols performing at the Townhouse.
"I've had a lot of fun and I'd definitely want to
do it again," says Bujold. "It's important to be
aware of your body and keep it healthy."
There was also an art auction held at the event and special
desserts were sold throughout the day. Bujold, who's also a
pastry chef, baked the deserts herself.
In the end, Bujold met her goal to raise $2,000 for breast
cancer research and to participate in the walk in Ottawa.