THE GOOD QUILT :: CALL FOR STORIES

So can I brag a bit more about Cynthia Shaffer?

Prior to being a magazine editor and after being a social worker, I worked for 2 years as the Director of Community Relations for El Sol charter school in a very needy part of downtown Santa Ana ... a school that serves an underprivileged population. When Cynthia heard that I needed help to organize a fund-raising dinner called Solar Expressions, she became my partner-in-crime. And one of the first things she created is a quilt that became the focal point of the event.

It was an event that inspired an ARMY of volunteers to gather as we erected tents ... decorated tables, made name tags, secured catering, secured entertainment, and raised some serious money to help the school.

 It was a night when attendees were convinced that through good-faith efforts, magic could happen ... and support raised for a most deserving and needy population. 

Partners from all stretches of the community came forward to lend their support. These partners felt the magic ... and knew that with imagination, courage and compassion, we CAN make a difference. 

And the incredible thing is that it all started with a quilt. The thing I know about the quilting community is that they are helpers. Whether it's for an orphanage in Africa, victims of a hurricane, caregivers for people with cancer, or fundraisers for a school in the inner-city, Art Quilting Studio welcomes stories about quilts that help, to be considered for publication. Quilts that make a difference. Because I think it's true ... through the humble stitch, through the sincere block, through the authentic quilt, we CAN change realities. We CAN change the world. 

Do you have a story about a quilt or quilts that help? I'd love to hear from you. Send me an e-mail at jdoh@stampington.com as we gather stories to share with readers about THE GOOD QUILT.