Kiwanians and quilters join forces

The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show has announced a partnership with Kiwanis of Sisters to raise money for both organizations. A portion of the proceeds from the annual quilt show raffle quilt will be donated to Kiwanis to help with their community service projects.

"Katie McClure, a recipient of the good will of the Kiwanis organization, came to me with an appeal to help raise money for Kiwanis," Quilt Show Executive Director Ann Richardson said. "She realized that they do so much good in the community, and she just wanted to

help."

Katie's suggestion developed into a partnership program that will annually benefit a Sisters non-profit organization. Starting in 2010, 25 percent of the proceeds from the raffle quilt will be donated to an organization that benefits the Sisters

community.

"When we approached Kiwanis with the offer, we got nothing but positive responses," said Richardson.

"Kiwanis volunteers will sell raffle tickets at various venues between January and July. This more than doubles our ability to get out there and sell tickets, and we appeal to a broader base of people who are interested in supporting Kiwanis. It's a win-win for both of us.

"Proceeds from the raffle quilt typically help to pay for show expenses. We feel that this partnership will actually increase our ticket sales, so giving 25 percent to Kiwanis won't hurt the show."

"The selection of Kiwanis to be the first organization we partner with in this venture is heartwarming," said board member Joyce Boyd. "They have been a tremendous help over the years on quilt show day. Their members take on a leadership role in hanging and taking down the quilts, and they provide lots and lots of volunteers to help. I'm very pleased with this idea and our ability to give back to the community in this way."

In its three-decade history, Sisters Kiwanis has been involved in the development and support of many community organizations, including Scouts, Campfire, Habitat for Humanity, educational opportunity grants, Sisters High School Key Club and scholarships. In addition, Kiwanis volunteers maintain and staff the community food bank, which provides emergency food boxes for less fortunate citizens in the area.

Raffle ticket sales have generated between $3,000 and $9,000 per year. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. They can be purchased in person at Stitchin' Post, at http://www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org/events.htm#rafflequilt or look for volunteers at various Quilt Show and Kiwanis sponsored events. Drawing is at 4 p.m. on quilt show day and the winner need not be present.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org or contact Ann Richardson at 541-549-0989 or [email protected]

SistersOutdoorQuiltShow.org.