LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—A local tattoo shop is once again turning art into impact, as Loco Estilo Ink prepares to host a three-day fundraiser supporting the Human Resources Center (HRC) of Edgar and Clark Counties.
The event will run Friday through Sunday, April 10 to 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. During that time, 25 percent of all tattoo sales will be donated directly to HRC’s Community Day Services program. Tattoos will be offered at set prices of $40 and $80, with more than 100 original designs created specifically for the fundraiser.
The shop is also accepting monetary donations from community members who wish to contribute without getting a tattoo.
Last year’s fundraiser raised $1,330 for HRC, and organizers say they are aiming even higher this time around.
“For me, it’s to help them out, like we did last year,” Juan Hernandez, owner of Loco Estilo Ink, said. “I thought we did pretty good for them. It helps them do more with their patients…especially the kids, like those with autism, to get them out and doing activities.”
HRC provides services and programming for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including opportunities for social interaction, life skills development and community outings.
Hernandez and his wife, Belinda, said the cause is what motivated them to bring the fundraiser back for a second year.
“We want to go bigger,” he said. “Exceed what we did last year.”
This year’s event will also feature an expanded team of artists, allowing the shop to accommodate more clients throughout the weekend. Multiple tattoo artists will be working, along with piercings being offered as well.
“We’ve got a full crew this time,” Juan Hernandez said. “We’ve been working on these designs for over a month. We wanted them to be unique and original, and we’re really excited to get them out there.”
In addition to the tattoo services, HRC representatives are expected to be on-site during the event, helping share information about their programs and interacting with attendees.
“They do a really good job being there, setting up, taking pictures,” Belinda Hernandez said. “Some of the kids are there as well. They show a lot of support.”
Organizers say the fundraiser is about more than just raising money. It’s also about strengthening community ties and encouraging others to give back.
“It means a lot because people take us into consideration for more than just tattoos,” Juan Hernandez said. “I feel like since we’ve been doing this, there’s been more collaboration in the community. People see it and want to be part of it too. That’s how you build a stronger community.”
Belinda Hernandez echoed that sentiment, noting that giving back has become a core part of the shop’s mission.
“The majority of what we do with these events is for the community,” she said.
The fundraiser also serves as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes often associated with tattoo shops, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages.
“That’s another big thing,” Juan Hernandez said. “People, not just kids, don’t have to be afraid to come in. We’re just tattooing.”
With three full days of designs, a growing team of artists and a goal to surpass last year’s total, organizers are hopeful the community will once again show strong support.
“This is just about helping out and bringing people together,” Juan Hernandez said.