Painting with Purpose

One business in the Grand Rapids area was established with the idea of helping non-profit organizations raise money through painting events.  Brushes with Benefits (BwB) partners with groups to help them earn money.  In December, BwB is coming to Lowell for two such events at Big Boiler Brewing which will benefit Pink Arrow.

Hit the Ground Running
BwB held their first event established about three months ago.  Parties and gatherings where groups all paint something, led by an instructor have become popular in recent years.  “BwB was started to specifically use Social Painting as a fundraising vehicle for charities or causes. We saw the popularity of social painting but felt it needed to be taken to the next level to foster community, giving, fun, and supporting local venues like Big Boiler.” says Barry Raterink who helps coordinate events.  There are winners all around when these events are held.  A non-profit raises funds, a local restaurant or other establishment gets some business, and participants have fun while painting for a good cause.  

BwB has already partnered with organizations including Calhoun County Animal Shelter, Feeding America West Michigan, Special Olympics, Purple Community/Van Andel Institute.  Although these are larger groups, BwB will also work with smaller organizations.  Private parties can also be held, where money is raised for an organization where participants are friends and family.  They’ll also work with businesses who want to have a painting party as a team building event.  There is a lot of flexibility when working with the business to help raise money for a charity or organization.

Katie Breslin is one of the founding members of BwB.  She enjoys working with charities to see if they’re a good match for an event.  She has a soft spot for animal related causes.  Breslin will also coordinate with venues for a location to have a painting party.  While having dinner at Big Boiler Brewing, she started talking with Rick Sauber, one of the partners behind the restaurant, and before the evening was complete an event to benefit Pink Arrow was in the works.  

Going, Going, Gone
The first painting event to be held at Big Boiler Brewing to benefit Pink Arrow will be December 5.  This date sold out to 40 participants in five days, which Raterink referred to as “insane”.  A second date, December 19 was added and 21 tickets out of 40 have been purchased so far.  Tickets are $37.43.  Additional information and tickets for the event can be purchased by visiting the Facebook event.  

For each ticket purchased, BwB will donate $10 to Pink Arrow Pride.  And for each event with more than 30 participants, an additional $100 will be added to the total donation.  Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the three-hour event running from 6 pm – 9 pm.

No prior painting experience is necessary.  Breslin will be running the event where participants are walked through each step.  The idea is to have fun, eat some food, chat with friends or make some new friends, and help support Pink Arrow Pride.  

Interested in Your Own Party?
BwB anticipates working with Big Boiler Brewing for future painting parties.  “The credit goes to Rick and Big Boiler, he immediately saw the potential and boy was he right.” Raterink says.  He is impressed with the dedication the Lowell community has when supporting Pink Arrow.  

The Brushes with Benefits webpage has information on how you can partner with them to raise money for an organization or charity.  Only 19 seats remain for the second event at Big Boiler Brewing.  Only an additional 11 people are needed for BwB to add an additional $100 donation to Pink Arrow Pride.