4 years ago, she heard that one of her friend's girlfriends had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She decided to throw a fundraiser for this person that she didn't even know. She had heard of women in different cities throwing these events called "Paint the Ta-Tas" where women would get together, and paint each others' breasts. Pictures would be taken of the art and then auctioned off. Ashley and a few of her friends got together and did this. There were maybe 10 pictures at the first event. At the painting parties, Ashley said to them that if she ever had cancer she expected all of them to throw a fundraiser for her.
Months later, Ashley had a tumor behind her heart and had to go through treatments. A year to the day later we were throwing the exact same event for Ashley.
This is Ashley with her 2 adorable girls at her fundraiser.
The "Paint the Ta-Tas" event is in its' 4th year here in Knoxville and is bigger than ever with over 100 women getting painted. Mindy and I have always bought art at these fundraisers but we had never actually participated.
We decided to suck it up this year, forget our insecurites and just did it.
Luckily our amazing friend Jamie Skull was one of the painters and she painted us both.(And did a phenomenal job)
I had the idea to have a local Knoxville landmark painted on me.
I just happen to drink JFG coffee every morning.
Mindy got my bar's logo.
The pictures will be auctioned off the first Friday in June. I will be sure to let you all know how it goes.
this brought a lil tear to my eye! thanks ally xo & i really love that you two both got painted. you two really do some cool things together. xo
ReplyDeleteWe love you Ashley
Deletealso, I gotta give credit to mrs. bekki vaden. she's the main one that put together the painted tatas part of that fundraiser that first year. :) xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing you're doing, and what a clever way to save money. I have never heard of this in all of my life, but I am sure going to tell everybody about it.
ReplyDeleteYou should!! It would be great to see it in other cities.
DeleteWow, that's a really great cause. ANd pretty gutsy! Good for you for biting the bullet.
ReplyDeleteI was super nervous before, but once I took my shirt off I was oddly at ease.
DeleteI love it!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove me some JFG
your friend did a great job and I bet it will raise lots of money and more awareness. :)
I didnt know that even happened here in k-town. You learn something new everyday .
So on a off note~ will this be your alls christmas cards this year ;)
I adore JFG coffee.
DeleteI like the Christmas Card suggestion.
what a neat idea! very cool that you both have been active in the fundraising - as participants and supporters :)
ReplyDeleteEventually my house will only be decorated with boob paintings. lol
DeleteBravo to you two! I bet that takes a lot of guts to get painted. Paint the Ta-Tas sounds like a great event!
ReplyDeleteI am already looking forward to doing it next year.
DeleteThat. Is. So. Cool.
ReplyDeleteWe all have them--in varying shapes and sizes--and we all have insecurities. The bravery that these women fighting cancer show is enough to make me realize that feeling anything but grateful for my body is a waste of time and energy. Cheers to you for being so brave yourself. What a cool event!
It was an amazing event and I am so glad I got to be a part of it.
DeleteWhat a great event! I hope the auction goes well.
ReplyDeleteI know it's inappropriate, but I saw the pictures before I read anything (blame my spastic dog running across my laptop)and thought your painting said JUG coffee.
You should ask the coffee place for a donation since you just did some free advertising. They might be willing to help the cause.
The original idea was to paint PBR "cans" on Mindy.
Delete