SKANEATELES - When more than 200 people show up for a game of bingo, chances are the contest is out of the ordinary.

That was definitely the case Saturday afternoon, when throngs of local residents participated in Pink Cow Bingo for Breast Cancer, a fundraiser presented by Skaneateles resident Laura Ponticello, an author and breast cancer crusader.

The affair, presented in and around a barn located on County Line Road, featured food, entertainment, a Port-A-Potty Decorating Contest, charity auctions and more. But the main attraction was the Pink Cow Bingo, in which two cows meandered around a giant bingo board marked off on the barn's dirt floor, and players waited to see where cowpies would land.

Participants pre-purchased one or more numbered bingo squares in hopes that the cows would make a “deposit,” so to speak, in his or her square.

“If anyone wants to know what this day is about, it's about hope,” Ponticello said.

The benefit was presented, she explained, to raise money for Positively Pink Packages, a Syracuse-based nonprofit organization that provides resources to breast cancer patients free of charge.

A big part of Saturday's fundraiser was a “Chairity” silent auction, in which area residents decorated chairs with inspirational scenes and sayings.

People bid on at least two dozen chairs, including ones by local author Tim Green and Syracuse University basketball coach Jim Boeheim.

“The Mighty Queens of Freeville” author Amy Dickinson, of Freeville, was on hand to sign copies of the novel and chat with guests.

In addition to writing the book, Dickinson is known as the successor to Ann Landers with her “Ask Amy” syndicated advice column.

Dickinson said that although she didn't know Ponticello previously, she agreed without hesitation to appear at the fundraiser when Ponticello asked her.

“Laura's an amazing woman. She does so much for so many people,” Dickinson said. “And this is just an unbelievable cause.”

At the cow bingo contest, two cows, Debonair and Amara, dressed in pink ribbons and other decorations, were led around the playing area by local dairy princesses Erin and Meghan Roho.

Loud cheers went up when the cows did their “duty.” The prizes included a womens package featuring numerous food and wellness coupons, and a mens package that included New York Yankees tickets.

“Today has been about enjoying the power of laughter,” Ponticello said. “I'm so proud to see so many people come out for this hysterical and powerful event.”