Wild Bill does it again, donating thousands to UC Davis Children’s Hospital
Colorful is one way to describe him. From his past to his ink, there’s a vibrant story to be told about Wild Bill Hill. One of hell-raising, Harleys and Ed Hardy, but most of all … heart.
For 17 years, Wild Bill has been raising money for UC Davis Children’s Hospital. More than $200,000, in fact. This year’s Tattoo-a-thon in February saw 16 hours of non-stop action, hundreds of tattoos and lots of donations. As has always been the case, all proceeds – including tips – go toward helping the kids. The 17th Annual Wild Bill’s Tattoo-a-thon netted $14,500, bringing the total donation to UC Davis Children’s Hospital to $233,000.
With help from his tattoo artists, Wild Bill hosts the annual Tattoo-a-thon at his shop in Roseville. An event that attracts a diverse group of people who get inked “for the kids,” it has become something family, friends and children look forward to, even those who are hospitalized. Many parents of kids treated at UC Davis Children’s Hospital now have tattoos to honor their children.
“Wild Bill is amazing. He puts his heart into everything and lives life to the fullest; something he wants the kids to have the opportunity to do,” said Jacquelyn Mills, senior director of development at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “I cannot begin to describe what an impact he and his artists have had over the years. These donations help fund medical care, research, equipment and education that saves and improves the lives of our children.”
For their contributions, Wild Bill and his crew are recognized on the donor wall at the entrance at the UC Davis Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. A room in the Pediatric and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit was also named after Wild Bill to celebrate his efforts.
UC Davis Children’s Hospital is the Sacramento region’s only nationally ranked, comprehensive hospital providing care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults with primary, subspecialty and critical care. It includes the Central Valley’s only pediatric emergency department and level I pediatric trauma center, which offers the highest level of care for its critically ill patients, as well as the West Coast’s only level I children’s surgery center. The 129-bed children’s hospital includes the state-of-the-art 49-bed neonatal and 24-bed pediatric intensive care and pediatric cardiac intensive care units. For more information, visit children.ucdavis.edu.