Tats for Ta-Tas returns Oct. 14, marking its fifth year of bringing the Key West community together in support of Womankind and affordable, personalized health care throughout the Keys during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Last year’s event raised $495,597 for Womankind, making it the most successful Tats for Ta-Tas so far. This year, donations will again be matched by the Barchetta Charitable Fund.
The annual fundraiser, hosted by Tattoos & Scars Saloon on Greene Street, has grown from a grassroots idea into one of Key West’s most successful community fundraisers. From 7 to 10 p.m., the 500 block of Greene Street will be filled with local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, residents and visitors for an evening of fundraising, raffles, auctions and entertainment.
Money raised through Tats for Ta-Tas helps Womankind continue providing affordable care to patients throughout the Keys, including those who are uninsured or underinsured. That support has become increasingly important amid recent losses in public funding and rising health care costs.
“We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from so many people in our community last year,” said Cali Roberts, Womankind’s executive director. “That generosity was incredibly moving and allowed patients to get the health care they needed despite the many funding cuts we faced.”
Tats for Ta-Tas was created five years ago by Maria Gonzalez of Key Lime Bike Tours and Casey Vinall of Tattoos & Scars. What began as a small Wednesday night fundraiser has grown into a much-anticipated local kickoff to season in Key West.
“To everyone who gives their time and talents, lends the support of their business, volunteers, sponsors — and simply shows up — thank you,” said Gonzalez. “This event has grown because people care about Womankind and want to be part of something that makes a real difference in our community.”
Womankind is a nonprofit medical and wellness center serving patients from Key West through the Middle Keys. With locations in Key West and Marathon, Womankind provides gynecologic and reproductive health care, prenatal care, primary care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and financial assistance for uninsured patients.
More information is at womankindkeywest.org.
