Wild Bill's 'tattoo-a-thon' benefits hospitalized kids

For those who have pondered "getting some ink," this weekend may be your excuse to take the plunge. A special annual event is being held at the legendary Wild Bill's tattoo shop in Roseville which will benefit hospitalized children in the region. The annual "tattoo-a-thon" is being held Saturday, Feb. 28, from 8 a.m. until midnight at Wild Bill's, located at 115 Lincoln Street in Roseville. All proceeds, including tips, will be donated to the UC Davis Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Over the past 24 years, this tattoo-a-thon has raised $331,500, according to UC Davis officials. The event has played such an important fundraising role that Wild Bill and his tattoo artists are recognized on the donor wall at the entrance to the UC Davis PICU. Part of the unit was also named after Wild Bill for his generosity over the decades. "We are so grateful to Wild Bill and his talented team of artists, who have consistently given their time and talent over the years in support of our children's hospital," said Kacie Merrick, managing senior director at UC Davis Children's Hospital and program director of Children's Miracle Network at UC Davis. "The funds they have raised have helped ensure that children in our intensive care unit can get the best possible care." There are 30 dedicated volunteers planning to work during the event and give their entire day's earnings to the UC Davis Children's Hospital. Wild Bill said last year's event resulted in more than 100 people coming in to get a tattoo. "We are humbled and honored to have a room in the NICU named after the tattoo shop. California is fortunate to have a world-class medical facility like UC Davis Children's Hospital located right here in Sacramento. It can mean the difference between life and death," Wild Bill sid in a statement. Those interested in booking a time should send an email to bill@wild-bills.com and put "Tattoo-a-thon appt." as the subject line. Include your design, its size in inches, your phone number and what time you would like to come in. The team will call you back to confirm your appointment. For more information, visit Wild Bill's website at http://wild-bills.com/