06/07/2026
$16,470.38.
We have stared at that number all day and it still doesn’t feel real.
There were moments throughout this event when we were so overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, and love surrounding us that we had to stop what we were doing and simply cry. Not from stress. Not from exhaustion. But from the realization that we are fortunate enough to be part of a community that shows up for people in such a powerful way.
Today, we are exhausted. The kind of exhausted that settles into your bones. This event took all of Friday evening, all day Saturday, until nearly 3:00 in the morning, and a good part of today to finish breaking down and putting everything away. Our feet hurt, our backs hurt, and many of us are running on very little sleep.
And yet, we would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Because what we witnessed this weekend was something truly beautiful.
Art 4 Aid has never just been about tattoos, or fundraising. It has always been about people. It is about neighbors helping neighbors. It is about strangers becoming friends. It is about artists, volunteers, businesses, sponsors, and community members coming together and proving that compassion is still alive and well.
A big thank you to each of our sponsors this year, that helped make this event possible and comfortable for our artists and volunteers. To our volunteers, thank you for giving your hearts, your time, and your energy. To our board members, thank you for carrying this mission with us all year long. To our incredible artists, thank you for donating your talent and your entire day to help others. To our judges, thank you for staying late into the night and giving every artist the time and respect they deserved. We are so grateful for each and every one of you, and without you we are nothing.
A special thank you to the Boyd County Economic Development team and the Boyd Convention & Arts Center for once again opening their doors to us, donating the space, and providing a team that always makes us feel supported and welcomed. Your belief in this event has helped it grow into something truly special.
Today reminded us that kindness is contagious. That generosity still exists. That when people come together with a common purpose, incredible things can happen.
We are humbled beyond words. We are proud beyond measure. Most of all, we are grateful.
Grateful for every ticket purchased, every tattoo done, every donation made, every booth set up, every hour volunteered, every sponsor, every vendor, every share, every encouraging word, and every person who chose to be part of something bigger than themselves.
What we witnessed this weekend was more than a fundraiser. It was a beautiful reminder of what a community can accomplish when it leads with love.
And this is only the beginning.
As we continue to grow and expand our mission, we know now more than ever that there are people who need help. Families who need support. Artists who need opportunities. Communities that need connection. This weekend showed us that when a need exists, this community answers the call.
So we are going to answer that call too.
Bigger things are coming. Bigger dreams. Bigger impact. More ways to serve. More ways to give back. More opportunities to make a difference.
Because if this weekend taught us anything, it is that there is no limit to what can happen when people come together with love in their hearts and a willingness to help one another.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in this mission and in one another.
We will never forget this weekend, and we cannot wait to show you what comes next. ❤️
Shoutout to:
Josh Blanton for the incredible photos
