A portion of the proceeds from the recent Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll fundraiser has been donated to Beautiful Minds Art Studio.

            The $477 gift is being used to buy art supplies for clients at Sunflower Diversified Services, which operates the studio. The non-profit agency serves people with special needs in central Kansas.

            The Ellinwood Knights of Columbus Council 1187 collected the donations at community events and accepted free-will offerings.

            “We are always looking for a worthwhile cause when we sponsor our Tootsie Roll fundraiser,” said John Clayton, Grand Knight. “Sunflower certainly qualifies as a worthwhile cause. The agency obviously cares about people with disabilities.

“With all the services and programs Sunflower provides, including the art studio, people might learn they are not so disabled after all. We want to help people who need help the most.”

            Jon Prescott, Sunflower executive director, said the “generous donation was a surprise and a blessing. Private donations such as this allow us to offer this great studio for people who want to develop their artistic skills.”

            Beautiful Minds Art Studio opened recently for clients at Sunflower who want to express themselves through pottery, painting, drawing and sketching.

            The studio is located in Sunflower’s Westside Market, 5523 10th. Classes are available weekdays.

            Sunflower serves infants, toddlers and adults in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. It is in its 54th year.