Selfless. Compassionate. Giving. Amazing. A truly special person. These are all words that Abaconians have used to describe Melinda Pinder.
The founder of Abaco’s annual Pink Rose Ball, which benefits local cancer patients, Melinda (at left) has a long history of community service.
Even after Hurricane Dorian destroyed her business (Buds N Blooms) and damaged her home, she’s continued to assist her fellow Abaconians in countless ways, big and small.
Today, Melinda’s the one who needs a hand, and her community is rallying to support her.
For some time now, Melinda has been experiencing severe hip pain. She believes that a fall she suffered during Hurricane Dorian may have caused an injury or exacerbated an existing problem. Either way, doctors advise that she’s in need of a total hip replacement.
As is the case with many Bahamians, Melinda has no health insurance. And the surgery, which she’ll need to have done in Florida, will cost somewhere around $30,000.
ONLINE ART AUCTION
To help raise funds toward Melinda’s medical bills, her friend Lori Higgs Thompson has set up an online Facebook art auction.
The works of art being auctioned are shown below. Beneath each photo is a link to the corresponding Facebook page on which you can make a bid. If you’re not on Facebook but still want to bid, contact Lori at lorihiggsthompson@gmail.com.
The auction will close at 6pm eastern time this Sunday night, March 7th.
“Mama and her Babies” Mixed 11″ x 14″ media artwork in driftwood frame by artist Rhonda Pearce. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196738522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“Hope Town Summer Stroll” Signed 11″x14″ giclee print with mat and frame, by Lori Higgs Thompson. To bid on this item click here: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196933522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“The Long Dock” matted/framed original photograph by Taryn Carroll (18.75”x22.75”) Click here to bid on this piece: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297606263522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“The Leading Edge” Original 9″x12″ watercolour by Marlee Mason. Click here to bid on this piece: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196648522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
A two-night stay at the Abaco Inn. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297385278522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
Chip and Dip Sea Life Platter, 11” by Kimberly Sturrup Roberts. Click here to bid on this piece: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196753522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“Light of Hope”, Signed 11″x14″ giclee print with mat and frame, by Lori Higgs Thompson. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196668522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
Crawfish platter (kiln fired, microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe) by artist Kim Rody. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196883522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“Sun Kissed”, signed 18″ x 24″ Giclee print with mat and frame, by Lori Higgs Thompson. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159297196853522&set=pcb.10159297250653522 
“Paradise Office” Original 6″ x 8″ oil painting by Marlee Mason. Click here to bid on this item: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10159297196828522&set=pcb.10159297250653522
FUNDRAISING COOKOUT
Tomorrow, March 6, a cookout is being held at BAIC Park in Marsh Harbour, with all proceeds being donated to Melinda’s medical fund.
Tickets for the event, which begins at 11am, are $15, and can be purchased from any Pink Rose Ball Committee member.
A limited number of tickets will be available at the cookout, and there will also be sweets, homemade ice cream and basket raffle tickets available for purchase.
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
- If you’re in Marsh Harbour, donations toward Melinda’s medical expenses are being accepted at K&S Gas in Marsh Harbour
- Donations may also be made at (or sent to) Royal Bank Bahamas account #03085-7149099.
Thanks in advance for any support you’re able to lend Melinda in her time of need, and thanks to Melinda for everything she’s done for her fellow Abaconians!
