A painting marathon held the day of May 7, was a huge success.

Fourty nine painters came together to paint in three sessions held at 3,6 and 9 pm on the Saturday.

The event raised a total of $7580 through painting, donations, and silent auction bids.

Co- organizer Mary Lou Eckmeier couldn’t be more pleased.

“Well I think we were pretty lucky and well supported by the public; with an ending amount of $7500, far above our expectations."

Money raised from the event will be used to towards some great causes.

"The first $3500 which was our commitment, is going to purchases a memorial bench in memory of the life of Lamont Murphy. Honestly, we didn't think we were going to raise more than that; but now with the excess funds we are looking at putting a small portion into a scholarship fund for a local student and the rest of it into a fund that will be used in the future for any family that loses a child unexpectedly."

Eckmeier states that the event is more than just collecting for a family.

"It is not just about supporting a family, it is an awareness of the issues around mental health and what young people go through. As well as an opportunity for community to come together, support each other, and really show each other and family that we stand beside each other. Families really need to know that we don't forget each other."

Eckmeier is hoping 'Paint a Memory' becomes an annual event.

"That is the intention, to do the paint part of it as an annual event, so that we can repeat this in the future. Hopefully not only increase the memorial fund but I hope to increase the scholarship."

The scholarship has, not been completely firmed up as to amounts or details, but Eckmeier shares any amount will be helpful.

"Whether it is three five hundreds, or a thousand, or a fifteen hundred dollar scholarship, I think it helps."

Paint a Memory was thrilled to see what year one brought and is hopeful to surpass this year's total in 2017.