Artists were slinging ink for a good cause during the weekend during a 24-hour tattoo marathon in Carson City.
About 60 clients participated at Hooligan’s Ink to raise money and awareness for Austin’s House, a haven for abused and neglected children in Carson Valley. They also filled more than three boxes with canned foods for the Carson Valley Food Closet.
Owner and artist Sean Dawley said the parlor picked the children’s crisis home because of their own childhood experiences.
“We care about kids,” Dawley said. “My childhood was pretty rough, like everyone who works here. We didn’t have anybody sticking up for us. These kids don’t have anyone sticking up for them.”
Customers lined up for the door to open Saturday at noon. They paid $60 for a selection of tattoos during the event, or $50 with a canned food donation. The most popular was a butterfly with a skull, but clients chose from an assortment of pieces.
By Saturday at 5 p.m., nearly 50 customers had visited the parlor, with its open rooms and buzzing guns.
“It’s mainly been new people,” said Dawley, who also owns Electric Pencil in South Lake Tahoe.
The three artists, Dawley, Joe Silvers and Dave Sanchez, were helped by assistants as they kept the pace moving. Staying open late is not uncommon for the shop that just opened in March, Dawley said. They closed shop at 12:45 p.m. Sunday.
“All facets of the community come together for this great cause,” said Conrad Buedel of Austin’s House. “We absolutely have to have donations to keep the doors open.”
Austin’s House is full heading into the holidays, Buedel said. The foster home provides services and care for up to 10 children, from infants to 17-year-olds, at a time.
“It’s seems like there’s been a lot of children there, unfortunately,” Buedel said. “It’s good that they have a great place to go.”
The children, who are homeless or abused, are referred to the home by the courts or child protective services. The house provides basic living needs, companionship and education.
Donations make up 25 percent to 40 percent of operating costs, Buedel said.
Austin’s House is asking for help during the holiday season. Gift cards are sought, since the ages of children served can’t be foreseen.
Austin’s House also wants a basic sewing machine, a large George Foreman kitchen grill, large waffle maker, “Wii Music,” “Wii Ski” and Wii “Star Wars The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels.” These gifts will help the children feel more “at home” the entire year, Buedel said.
Article from http://www.rgj.com/
