Cocoa Beach tattoo shop co-owned by former 'Ink Master' contestant to host reproductive rights event
Three months after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the right to end a pregnancy wasn’t within the Constitution, a Cocoa Beach tattoo shop co-owned by a former "Ink Master" contestant hopes to support reproductive health care services.
"People know what's going on in the country, about different states and how they're handling reproductive health care," said Raelene Manning, co-owner of Endless Summer Tattoo and wife of co-owner Mark Longenecker, who competed in 2014 on Ink Master, the reality competition television series.
"We've kind of always been known for trying to make a difference in the community ... so for us, I think it's — we just like to use our abilities as a 19-year business to make a difference. It's very easy for us to kind of do that."
The tattoo shop, located on North Orlando Avenue in Cocoa Beach, will hold a special event Sept. 25 from noon to 7 p.m. where a portion of their proceeds will be donated to National Network of Abortion Funds
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"We're looking forward to it," Manning said. "It seems to be a lot of people that are really supportive of it."
In the past, the tattoo shop has helped the Brevard Humane Society and SPCA by collecting food and supply donations and offering tattoo raffle tickets to donors, as well as local families in need through the Locals Feeding Locals program. Additionally, they've worked with the Kidney Foundation, Surfers for Autism and other organizations.
For Sept. 25's event, eight artists, including guest artist Elise Allen from Good Vibrations Ink in Orlando, will offer tattoos from pre-drawn flash sheets ranging from $100 to $200. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a reproductive rights group. 100% of proceeds from raffle baskets with items donated from Native Plants and Junk Food Bakery will be donated.
The event is walk-in only. Flash sheets will be shared on social media ahead of the event.
For more information, visit Endless Summer Tattoo on Facebook or Instagram, or call the shop at 321-799-9776.
Finch Walker is a Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @_finchwalker
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cocoa Beach tattoo raising funds for reproductive rights at tattoo event
