The Heart Art Project in Janesville began as a thank you to first responders, and it ends by helping donate money to help those responding in Ukraine.

HeartArt Committee Co-Chair Arra Lasse says the committee decided last spring that the hearts had played their part and withstood Wisconsin winters and summers and aiding the fight in Ukraine seemed like a great way to send off the art.

Lasse says they held an auction over the summer and sold over 70 hearts featuring art from local artists, and managed to raise $6,000.

Lasse says an anonymous donor matched the funds raised, bringing the total to $12,000.

The money was donated to the World Central Kitchen, which provides meals to those aiding and responding in Ukraine.