Breast Cancer Awareness–Cumberland Valley (BCA–CV) will be holding An Artisans Affair, fundraiser at the Clarion Hotel this Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.

The event will feature a luncheon and auction of work submitted by local artists, as well as a speech by well-known former CIA agent Tony Mendez and his wife Jonna.

An artist in his own right, Tony Mendez are best known for being portrayed by actor Ben Affleck in the recent film “Argo.”

According to BCA-CV board Vice President, Betty Snyder, the event will serve as only the second fundraising effort attempted on behalf on BCA-CV in West Virginia.

The first being, the Identity Crisis fundraiser organized and held annually in Shepherdstown.

As Snyder explained the BCA-CV, which serves cancer patients and their families living in Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan Counties and portions of Maryland and Pennsylvania, relies entirely donations.

Snyder, who is a breast cancer survivor herself said, that though the organization serves many women in West Virginia, most of its funding in the past was found elsewhere.

“I’m a proud West Virginian.”

“And I think we’re going to take of our sisters,” she said.

The BCA-CV provides access to free early detection screenings, mammograms/ultrasounds, a wig and wig kits program, mastectomy bras and prosthesis, and a meals program for cancer patients, among many other free services.

Snyder said her own experience battling cancer taught her how valuable the support of community is.

“I was very fortunate… I did have a really good husband, really good insurance, and a really good community,” she said.

Snyder said BCA-CV serves women living without insurance, and single women who may be the head of their household.

Though tickets are limited for Sunday’s fundraiser, Snyder encourages people to donate to the organization itself, as it makes a big difference in the lives of many people.

Donations can be made by contacting BCA-CV at 301-791-5843, or 1-800-963-0101.

Or by visiting their web site at www.bcacv.org.