Flanders Field Quilt raises $1,200 for veterans

The Flanders Fields memorial quilt raffled off last Memorial Day was won by Sisters resident Jim Morrell.

Commemorating the famous American World War I cemetery in Waregem, Belgium, the heirloom quilt was designed and pieced by Susan Cobb and quilted by Betty Ann Guadalupe, then donated to the Sisters VFW and American Legion Posts. Its panels boldly imagined the rich red poppies and white crosses that inspired the 1915 poem by young Canadian officer, Lt. Colonel John McCrae titled, "In Flanders Field."

"I was so happy they raised over $1,000 with our quilt," said Cobb. "We're very glad it helped them."

All totaled, $1,209 was raised to help programs and needs within the Sisters posts of the American Legion and VFW, a sum that surprised American Legion Adjutant Lance Trowbridge, one of the organizers of the quilt raffle.

"Susan really pushed us to get out there and show the quilt and sell tickets," said Trowbridge. "We had it at our big chili feed fundraiser and set up outside the banks and Ray's Market on Saturdays, and even took it to the East Cascade Quilters Guild. Those gals bought a whole bunch of tickets. We want to thank everyone who purchased tickets for their generosity and support. That's a lot of tickets."

Cobb noted that Morrell submitted the quilt to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show office for public display at this year's event.

"We were hoping to only raise about $700, and we nearly doubled that figure so we're really excited," said Trowbridge. "We'll use part of the money to pay for our not-for-profit status, take care of some pressing insurance needs and perhaps set up a legacy scholarship or some other fundraising event in the future. Our membership is getting started up again and we need to get some of these guys reinstated and motivated. We don't want to be an organization that just sits around drinking coffee and telling war stories. So we'll just keep at it and keep moving on, growing our numbers and services to our veterans. This quilt money will help tremendously."