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Koch makes wishing a bit easier |
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Robbie Koch at Coon Tattoo broke the world record of doing the most tattooing in a 24-hour period.
Koch’s time was 13 hours and 45 minutes for number 401. The old record was 400. He accomplished what he set out to do, collecting $15,458.70 to give to Make A Wish Foundation.
He tattooed approximately 530 people and 577 tattoos in the 24 hours.
Friday, Paul Griffin Jones III, CEO and president of Mississippi Chapter of Make-A-Wish was in West Point to accept the check from Koch.
“Three wishes came out of it. You made yourself available. You made sure you got the kids a wish,” said Jones.
Make-A-Wish Mississppi Chapter grants approximately 75 wishes a year. There are 200 - 220 kids with a life threatening illness in Mississippi.
Make-A-Wish grants wishes for the smile they receive from a child. They are motivated by giving the families hope, strength and joy during. The average cost of a wish is $5,000.
The Mississippi Chapter was established in 1984 and the national chapter in 1981.
Make-A-Wish National Chapter grants 13,500 wishes a year, one every 41 minutes of the day.
Koch expressed his gratitude for everyone who helped to make it possible, including Cadence Bank.
Two Make-A Wish recipients were present, Markell and Robert Jackson, and their mother Cheryl McBride from Aberdeen. Both have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell disease. The disease effects the youngest, by him having strokes and Robert disease attacks his immune system.
Markell’s wish was to ride a horse. He got his wish. Markell’s entire family got to ride, Make-A-Wish Foundation provided him with entire cowboy outfit.
“The smile hasn’t left his face,” said McBride.
Robert’s wish was a trip to Disney World. He and his family made the trip, returning. They just got back last month.
“Robert didn’t want to come home,” said McBride.
McBride said it is a blessing to have Make-A-Wish Foundation.
According to Koch, the projects success was due to the community’s effort.
“The whole community joined in on this. People were just people, not black, white, tattooed. The community joined together and that is why it was a success,” said Koch.
“Every bit of the money people donated counted,” said Koch. He noted the donation of one little boy who had only 70 cents, but donated every penny of it.
“I enjoyed it. It was all worth it and I’ve been real busy,” said Koch, with a slight sigh of relief.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 April 2008 )
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