The Richland County Cancer Coalition is hosting a Rock Painting Party on Thursday, May 31 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Sidney Elks Lodge to spread kindness and raise funds for the Cancer Coalition Relief Fund through the Foundation for Community Care.

The idea of the Rock Painting Party was originated by two local ladies, Kelly Wilkinson and Peggy Kopp, who both work at Sidney Health Center. An online organization, known as The Kindness Rocks Project, inspired the two ladies to collaborate with the local Cancer Coalition and host the event.

“Kindness rocks are a trendy way to share a small message of encouragement, raise awareness for a good cause, and track the rocks on social media using a common hashtag phrase,” commented Kopp. “We are encouraging people to paint a rock, give it to someone, or leave it in a special place for others to find, using #rocksolidsupport.”

Sometimes it is the little things that make the biggest difference. The Kindness Rocks organization has a vision; “One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life.”

All ages are invited to stop by and paint a rock in memory or to honor a friend, family member, co-worker or anyone going through cancer. The cost is $10 per person, which includes two tribute rocks and the art supplies to decorate the rocks. Thrivent Financial has graciously funded for the supplies so all the funds raised through the event will be given to the local Cancer Coalition Relief Fund, which provides monetary assistance for those going through cancer treatment.

The special fund currently grants $1,000 to qualified applicants, limited to once a year per new cancer diagnosis. On average, this fund assists 40-45 area cancer patients per year.  With the growing number of cancer patients receiving treatment in Richland County, there is an increasing need to keep this fund available.  The Cancer Coalition depends on gifts from donors in our community to keep making a difference in lives of individuals diagnosed with cancer.

   

To support someone fighting cancer in our area, please consider making a donation to the Cancer Coalition Relief Fund at the Foundation for Community Care.  Anyone interested in supporting this worthwhile cause can visit the Foundation’s website at www.foundationforcommunitycare.org or stop by the office at 221 2nd Street NW, Sidney, MT 59270.