A local philanthropic group is spreading a unique message through art. “Tallahassee Rocks” is a group of artists focused on the refreshing nature of encouragement through the medium of rocks.
“Tallahassee Rocks” started in January and has grown exponentially since its beginning says founding member Bonnie York.
“We started the group in January and it’s been five months, and now we’ve got over 12,000 members, started at three. And it’s growing and is still continuing to grow,” said York.
Another one of the group’s administrators, Gail Sloane, says the group wants to be as charitable as possible not only by giving money, but by spreading kind words and joy.
“People on their daily walks are finding these little rocks and the philanthropy comes from the kindness that is shared through something that is as simple as a kind word or something that is a pretty picture, or something that is appealing to the children,” said Sloane.
For example, Sloane goes onto discuss the organizations involvement with a terminally ill young-lady, who is diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.
“We have ‘Rocks For Chloe.’ It’s a young-lady with MDS which is a terminal disease. And we want the family to know that Tallahassee is behind them in their difficult days and we are reaching out to that family as well,” said Sloane.
“Tallahassee Rocks” is known for raising money for people who are seriously ill. And artist turned philanthropist Karen Robertson wants the organization to get more people involved, young and old.
“And as time goes by, maybe we can help other children that need help financially for their illnesses and things like that, and get into some of the elderly communities and get them with something to do, you know, in a rec room. I love teaching. Old and young,” said Robertson.
The rocks don’t stop here in the US. Sloane says willing artists can paint rocks anywhere and for anyone including deployed troops overseas.
“We’re also putting out boxes where people can donate their painted rocks and we are going to be shipping them to troops overseas. We have seven locations throughout Tallahassee. Those are listed on our Facebook page and I frequently bump the post so people can see where those locations are. They’re at our rock-friendly businesses around town,” said Sloane.
These boxes are also the one’s where artists can donate their rocks for the MDS patient Chloe. More information about the organization can be found on their Facebook page, “Tallahassee Rocks.”