Bosom Buddy Bags are practical fundraisers

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Pam Hocking’s Bosom Buddy Bags are limited editions with a unique designer status. They are an annual fund-raising event in themselves with proceeds from sales of the handmade quilted bags going toward the annual Bridge to Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
DESIGN THAT’S IN THE BAG — Pam Hocking brings in some of her Bosom Buddy Bags that are exclusively on sale at Daniels Florist in Market Sq. in Houlton. Proceeds from the bags support the annual Bridge to Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Walk that raises money for the American Cancer Society and local scholarships. Karen Fitzpatrick, co-owner of the store is also displaying Hocking’s quilt that will be raffled off as another fund raiser for the walk.
    Hocking says she has already filled 40 orders and, although she is filling about 19-20 more orders, she will have “to cut it off at some point.” With the exception of orders from a few close friends, sales of the popular totes were basically exclusive to Daniels Florist in Houlton’s Market Square.
    The quilted cotton purses have organizational pockets and are lined with the breast cancer awareness signature pink ribbon logo fabric. Some have magnetic snaps; others have button closures. The color-coordinated fabrics in each bag vary from an Americana motif to modern designs. The 10 inch by 12 inch tote bags cost $30 to make with $20 going toward the walk’s donation to the American Cancer Society and local scholarships.
    Hocking, a recent breast cancer survivor, said she came up with the idea as another way to support the walk and she did have help along the way. “Walmart donated a gift card so I could buy some of my supplies and friends were a huge help. Joann Dunphy and Pam Dorta helped me sew the bags. Joann made 70 of the pink ribbon organizational pockets. They were wonderful to do that,” said Hocking.
    Hocking and her daughter created the large lap quilt on display in the front window of Daniels Florist that will be raffled off on Saturday, Oct. 16, when the walk takes place at Riverfront Park. Friends supported her on that project as well with finishing work.
    “We have an extensive family history. I am the sixth person in my family in two generations to be diagnosed with breast cancer. But, no one has died from it,” commented Hocking. She encouraged others to have mammograms and follow up exams.