Vevay painter helps fire department get new rescue ropes

(VEVAY, Ind.) – A Switzerland County artist is using her talents to help her local fire department. 

Billie Pierce began painting in 2015 after she was involved in a tragic UTV crash that claimed the life of a young girl. 

“God gave me painting in 2015 after a tragedy took my will to live for a while,” Pierce said. 

What began as a form of therapy blossomed into a way to help others.

She makes art, sells it and donates the money to various Switzerland County charities.  

Pierce recently found out that the Jefferson Craig Fire Department needed to replace rescue ropes. 

“When we started, the need was $2,000 for life-saving rescue ropes. I wasn't sure how much one little painting could do. But then people started showing up,” Billie said. 

She auctioned off the painting called “Through Her Eyes” and it started at $125. 

It was quickly matched with two $500 matches from the Community Champions initiative as well as Yoder Gutters. 

Tevin Wooten donated another $500 to help the fire department purchase new rescue ropes. 

Billie said of the painting, “[It] was painted in memory of a precious girl, and she carries that story with her. Today her story helped put rescue equipment in the hands of the volunteers who answer when our neighbors need help.”

“Only God writes stories like that,” she added.

Learn more about Billie's Painting With Purpose by clicking here.