Belton tattoo artist uses heartfelt ink to raise money for The Trevor Project

KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree covers parts of Johnson County, Kansas. Share your story idea with Olivia.

A national suicide prevention organization gets help from a local business.

Kathryn Paulic dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist all her life. Now that she’s achieved that goal, she’s working on achieving the next one.

As a tattoo artist at Belton’s Ink Spot, Paulic hands out heart tattoos to help a cause close to her heart: the Trevor Project. It is a non-profit organization that places great importance on LGBTQ+ suicide awareness.

As someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, Paulic chose to tattoo hearts in hopes that the ink serves as a visual reminder of something that society overlooks.

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“As a member of the LGBT community myself, The Trevor Project does great work with LGBT youth, who are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts,” Paulic said.

The Trevor Project reported that 39% of LGBTQ+ youth take this seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Paulic feels like she can identify with them.

“Growing up, I felt very lonely, and I felt very isolated, and I struggled for many, many years of my own life,” Paulic says.

Paulic wants to change those feelings for the youth of Kansas City. Since the start of the tattoo project, Paulic’s phone has been ringing non-stop.

“People who have lost family members, mothers, fathers, children, siblings and their stories are all included in this project,” Paulic said. “It actually means more than just a little heart written in ink on a hand or shoulder.”

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The goal is to tattoo enough hearts to raise $5,000 for The Trevor Project by Christmas.

“The holidays are a tough time for any kind of hotline like this, many people find it difficult not having their family there. Many people have difficulty feeling alone,” says Paulic.

The hearts represent hope for the community.

“I would like to convey to them the hopes of everyone in Kansas City and give them the resources they need to help as many people as possible, to help and save as many lives as possible,” Paulic said.

If you want to donate for a tattoo, Paulic is book now and accepting donations via Venmo, @KatPaulic.
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