Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
All-day Saturday, Redemption Ink Tattoo and Art Studio will be hosting their “Tattoos for Kids” fundraiser for the Northwoods Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).
As Redemption co-owner Vern Gogh explains, the idea for the fundraiser stemmed from conversations with various customers who were also BACA members.
“The idea came up one day during a tattoo session and we just discussed it further as time went on. I’m a strong believer in their mission and the work they do in our community. It’s our pleasure to do something to help raise funds and awareness for their organization and raise awareness about our shop while we’re at it,” he explains.
Gogh and co-owner Anton Schafer first opened Redemption Ink in 2012 on North Prospect Street, and relocated to their new location at 2308 E. Main St. in April. While the pair have hosted a few fundraising events in the past, Saturday’s will be by far their largest event to date,
The day will kick off at 8 a.m. as Anton and Vern will offer business card sized tattoos for just $45. They will also offer $30 dollar ear, nose, and navel piercings with surgical stainless piercing jewelry. The offer will stand all day until midnight, or until the last customer is out the door; whichever comes first. Proceeds will be donated to the Merrill-based Northwoods Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse,
A 501 (c)(3) organization, Bikers Against Child Abuse is comprised of a network of chapters throughout the world; the Northwoods Chapter being founded in 2013. The chapter now consists of eight patched members and non-patched members or supporters. As chapter president “Half Pint” explains, the organization operates strictly by fundraising efforts and every dollar donated, is used to assist child heroes (abused children).
“We are a body of bikers that work in conjunction with local and state officials already in place, to help protect and empower our heroes so that they no longer have to fear the world in which they live. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization so 100% of the funds that are raised or donated, goes towards bringing in and empowering our heroes.”
For more information regarding Bikers Against Child Abuse, visit http://bacaworld.org.