Bend Painters Brighten Families’ Lives

A Bend business is adding color to the community in a big way, and literally brightening the lives of two families in need.

Webfoot Painting Co. of Bend has donated $5,000 in services to paint two homes, and that work was done Friday.

“Not everyone can give large sums of money to charity and stuff,” said Gavin Hepp, owner of Webfoot Painting. “We are very good at painting, and we say, ‘Stick to what you are good at’ — so we like to give away painting.”

Over the last few years, the company has held a contest for local non-profits to win their services.

This year, Webfoot decided to open the contest to people in Bend who could not afford to paint their house.

They simply needed to enter their story on the company’s Website.

Of the 32 entries, two were chosen, one of whom was Dara Hatcher of northeast Bend.

“I have my cancer issue. We could not afford to change it, and it will be nice to enjoy,” said Hatcher, a single mom who is fighting brain cancer.

Because of the disease, Hatcher has trouble walking and is hard of hearing.

“I feel so loved and respected,” Hatcher said. “The energy that the people have that are bringing us, this love is amazing, and I thank everybody.”

Her home is now pea green with dark purple trim, something that has brought a more vibrant feel for Hatcher and her son, Donte.

“It’s more colorful,” said Donte, “It was just like a dark green and coming off, so it didn’t look that good. Now it looks great.”

For the painter who added the touch of color to the home off Nicole Court, it’s something they say is worth every second.

“When you’re able to give back,” said Hepp, “and help someone with a project they couldn’t take on themselves — I mean, we have eight guys here that are working 10 hours, trying to get this project finished. So it feels really good.”

The company will be accepting entries for next year’s contest starting in January.