ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Wild Bill’s Tattoo in Roseville hosted their 23rd annual tattoo-a-thon Saturday to raise money for a great cause.
All the money earned from doing the tattoos, including tips, go toward the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. The unit at UC Davis Children’s Hospital offers care for critically ill and injured children.
“It’s probably one of my favorite events all year, because it doesn’t seem like it would be a kids’ fundraiser at a tattoo parlor,” said Charlie Albertallo, an assistant director of development for the hospital. “I don’t know of many more passionate people than these guys here… they’re basically working for free all day.”
It’s not something just the tattoo artists enjoy as dozens of people come to get tattoos to support the cause.
“That’s what we do. We’ve got each other’s back and raise money for the babies,” said customer Celeste Dolan.
Wild Bill’s has raised “well over $300,000” for the hospital, according to Albertallo who has been working alongside the tattoo shop for the last 10 years.
“They've donated so much money and so much time and it's so cool that all these artists come here and work so hard and donate all their tips and everything,” said Haleigh Munoz whose daughter was treated at UC Davis.
Tattoo artists began tattooing at 8 a.m. and will continue until midnight.
As for why they continue this tradition?
“These children… the different types of illnesses they have… they're so innocent. You see them, and they're fighting. Even though they’re so tiny, they’re fighting for their life, and so for us to be able to have a part of that,” said co-organizer Roxanne Morales through tears. “That’s why we do it.”
