Breast Warriors of Wallowa County raise $3,500 for awareness, aid

Published 5:30 am Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Group holds second-annual art auction in Joseph

JOSEPH — The Breast Warriors of Wallowa County raised about $3,500 Saturday, Oct. 25, in Joseph, during the Sam Pribyl Art Auction for Breast Cancer.

About 60 people turned out to bid on items at the Joseph Community Events Center, according to Breast Warriors President Holly Black.

“Unfortunately, our turnout was smaller than what we had hoped, with about 15 staying for the auction,” she said.

The money raised will go to breast cancer victims and their families to help with related costs, such as travel and medical bills.

“We want to east the burden of families fighting against breast cancer in our county,” Black said.

She said this is the second-annual such art auction and the second named for Samantha Pribyl.

“Sam was an artist herself, and wanted to make a difference here in the county for those of us fighting breast cancer,” Black said. “We decided on an art auction that took place Oct. 19 2024. Unfortunately, Sam lost her battle with breast cancer in September 2024. She was unable to see her idea come to fruition. So, in honor of her memory, the future name of the art auction will be the Sam Pribyl Art Auction for Breast Cancer presented by the Breast Warriors of Wallowa County.”

This year’s event had door prizes, a photo booth, cookies and nonalcoholic drinks. Terminal Gravity donated beer, Tammy Stampe of Copper Creek and Anton’s Home and Spirits donated wine, and the Chuckwagon Sisters made charcuterie cups.

Black said that in the future, the Breast Warriors hope to be able to offer scholarships to young people whose families have been affected by breast cancer.

“That is our next big goal,” Black said.

She also said there was an extensive number of donors who provided auction items.