The Relay For Life of Warren County hosted its first ever “Paint the Town Purple” contest between businesses, schools and residences, and raised $831.29 because of it.A large portion of that came from the first place winner of the business category, Madame Voodoo’s House of Ink. They raised $350 by running a promotion to do free purple cancer ribbon tattoos, with a $10 or more tip donation. They also received a $400 donation from a customer.“It has been my goal, since opening my shop, to give back to the community and to show everyone the power that someone in my line of work has to make a difference,” said Malissa Booth, owner of Madame Voodoo’s. “I was so fortunate in doing this fundraiser, because I knew it was asking a lot to have six tattoo artists do free tattoos … but it just shows that even being a small-town tattoo shop, we can do big things if we put our mind to it.”Not only did her crew donate their time, but the ink, needles and disposable tubes to make the tattoos were donated by Tattoo U Supply in St. Louis. Cancer has touched Booth’s life personally, having family members who have passed away from various cancers.“I think everyone knows someone where cancer has wreaked havoc in their family,” she said. “So I chose to do what I could to help as many as possible.”Booth said she tries to choose something every month to give back to, whether it is for veterans, cancer, or any other causes that need awareness. She is trying to get rid of the negative stereotypes that are often associated with those of the “tattooed community” by going above and beyond in supporting local causes and community fundraisers.“This is why I do what I do,” Booth said. “And I will continue to do fundraisers for awareness of anything the universe points my way.”In addition to the tattoo parlor, Farmers Mutual Insurance in Warrenton won second place in the Paint the Town Purple business category. In the residence category, Amy Jo Grunefeld received first place and Emily Polston won second place.For the schools, there was a Paint the Town Purple coloring contest, in which students were given a Relay For Life page to color. Warren County Relayers then voted on the best coloring pages to be displayed at the Relay, where they were given a final vote by donations from participants. The coloring pages that collected the most money won.From Warrior Ridge Elementary, Kristie Lou Carter won first place and Kimmie Huellewig won second place. Eathan King from Rebecca Boone Elementary won third place.The Relay For Life of Warren County Event Leadership Team would like to thank committee members and Paint the Town Purple organizers Talia Scott and Lindsey Dieckman for all their hard work in putting the contest together. This was their second year running the campaign and it’s been a huge success so far, thanks to their efforts.Plans for the 2016 Relay For Life event are underway, and if you are interested in getting involved, please contact Kanna Rook, American Cancer Society staff partner, at 636-866-4884 or kanna.rook@cancer.org. You can also visit www.relayforlife.org/warrencomo for more information.The Relay For Life of Warren County recently recognized winners who participated in the “Paint the Town Purple” contest as part of this year’s fundraiser. Above, Madame Voodoo’s House of Ink won in the business category. Pictured are Malissa Booth, Madame Voodoo’s owner, and Talia Scott and Lindsey Dieckman, contest co-chairs. Submitted photos.
