Tell-Tale Art Studios owner Amanda Roberts, left, visiting Dakota Ann, right, in the hospital.
One of the marks of a truly strong community is its ability to rally around its members in a time of crisis. Sometimes those efforts extend to former community members, as was the case on Saturday for former North Wales resident Shari Ann Almeida, who saw an outpouring of support during a day-long tattoo fundraiser for her 10-month-old daughter, Dakota Ann.
“To all of our family, friends and strangers that have become a part of our army, thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Almeida. “For coming out today; for celebrating our girl; for coming together as a unit; for embracing love; there are not enough words to express our appreciation.”
Almeida’s words came on the heels of a wildly successful fundraiser at Tell-Tale Art Studios in Telford, in which nearly $5,000 in donations were secured to aid in little Dakota’s battle against lymphoblastic leukemia.
The event was organized by Almeida’s lifelong friend, Amanda Roberts, who owns Tell-Tale Art Studios. After donating $200 of her own money to a GoFundMe set up for the Almeida family, Roberts said she wanted to do more to help.
“When I saw that Dakota was diagnosed with leukemia, my heart broke,” said Roberts. “Her mother and I worked together at Hatfield Athletic Club years ago. We hit it off, we were inseparable for a time and did everything together.”
Roberts then enlisted the help of her staff, friends and family, in an effort to create an event that would put their specialized skills to good use, hoping to generate a considerable return for the Almeida family.
Based on Saturday’s outcome, she wasn’t disappointed.
The artists at Tell Tale Art Studio, along with special guest artist Erik Sacony, provided upwards of 50 new tattoos for Dakota Ann supporters, with all proceeds being donated to the Almeida family. Additional money was raised via raffles, t-shirt sales and unsolicited donations.
Roberts said two specific donations brought tears to her eyes: a young boy and girl who donated their allowance to Dakota Ann, and a $1,000 donation that came from the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Lansdale.
“It was an amazing day,” said Roberts. “We had a lot of people come out, and we really appreciate everything.”
Roberts also was quick to heap praise on one of her artists, Patrick Carroll, who participated in the event and donated his time despite his own current battle with cancer. Carroll, who also has a GoFundMe set up to help deal with his increasingly growing medical bills, was quick to shrug off his own struggles, according to Roberts, in an effort to benefit Dakota Ann.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Roberts. (Click here if you’d like to support Patrick Carroll.)
For those who may have missed the fundraiser, or would like to offer their support to the Almeida family, there is an ongoing GoFundMe page that has generated more than $23,000 in donations so far, and another large fundraiser planned for Sept. 22 at the Talamore Country Club in Ambler. (click here for tickets).
“It's a god awful situation we're in,” said Almeida, following the fundraiser. “But what was shown today was love in its purest form. Thank you everyone, from the bottom of our hearts.”
See also:
Tattooing For Charity: Local Shop Hosting Fundraiser For Baby With Leukemia
Local Comedian Overwhelmed By Support Following Cancer Diagnosis
Local Bar To Hold Fundraiser For Heart Transplant Patient
Local Family Helps Raise $70,000 For PANDAS Research
Community Rallies To Aid Local Family In Need
