Grant County women pose in the buff for McKay fundraiser

Grant County women support hospital in a new and creative way

Inside the Las Brisis Art Center, amidst stage props, costumes and flashing lights, 12 women from Grant County prepare to pose in the buff for a calendar shoot to raise money for the McKay Healthcare and Rehab Center.

"I'm comfortable wearing clothes," exclaimed one woman. "Oh, be quiet, you're probably the youngest one here," another woman shouted back.

Mary Ackerman, president of the hospital's board of commissioners, said the intent of the fundraiser is to pay back a $750,000 county debt.

"The idea for the calendar originated during a brainstorming session among a group of us that got together and decided 'yeah, we can do this,' Ackerman said.

For some of the women, making the decision to participate was not about modesty, but to show support for cancer survivors and their community hospital.

"I have worked for McKay for five years and think it's a great hospital, and I would do anything for it," said nurse and massage therapist Kathy Trantham.

Others were not so sure about participating in the photo shoot, but decided to give it a try anyway.

Soap Lake woman Bobbi Christie said when she first came in and saw the props and what some of the others were wearing, she wasn't too sure because, as she said, "I have always been a modest person."

"I didn't even tell my family I'm doing this," said Judith Tramayne-Barth.

Costumes included everything from feather boas to Coors paraphernalia and yes, even a bottle of wine here and there.

Professional photographer Pete Rice, who has spent a lifetime taking pictures, said this photo shoot is unlike anything he has ever done before in his career.

"Some of the women are quite shy to start with and others more bold. Once they get comfortable they relax," Rice said.

All of the participants did sign a model release form agreeing to pose for the calendar.

Ackerman could not comment on when the calendars will be finished for distribution or how much they will cost, but did say approximately 200 calendars would be available at local businesses in the Grant County area by the end of this year.

The hospital also plans on using the funds raised to organize a birthday celebration in honor of those born at McKay.

As for considering doing this type of thing again, Becky Morris of Moses Lake replied, "Sure, why not? What is the big deal with nudity anyway?"