Celebrate Rotary

The Rotarian Fellowship of Quilters and Fiber Artists had a booth in the House of Friendship at the Rotary International Centennial Convention in Chicago Illinois from June 19-22, 2005. The highlighted attraction was the Centennial “Celebration” Quilt, a collaborative project of several members of the fellowship representing 6 Rotary countries (Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA). The Centennial Quilt was put up on a Silent Auction at the Fellowship Dinner/Dance Gala on Tuesday night of the convention. Thanks to Chairman “Buck” Lindsay for allowing us to auction the quilt there. The high bidder, Gene Scarbrough from Anaheim, California, paid $600.00 which will be donated to the Rotary International Fellowship Committee for events and activities that benefit all fellowships.

The quilt was very popular with convention visitors and many wanted to take picture of it. We also took the opportunity to tell about the Wrap-a-Smile quilts that are sent out with Rotaplast volunteers who do surgeries in 3rd world countries. Honorary member PRIP Cliff Dochterman’s quilt was a big hit. Good thing we had a photo of him holding up his quilt, or no one would have believed it. As Ailsa said, “He’s not just a pretty face!” Phyllis Giersch also displayed a beautiful antique quilt top estimated to have been made in the early 1920’s.

Rotary Bear was donated to us from his maker Diana Bailey, but since we were unable to have a raffle or sale, he’s back in California for a little while.

Many thanks to the following members and volunteers who helped out by taking shifts in the booth: Diana Barden, Phyllis & Gary Giersch, Marty & Dick Wyatt, Ailsa McKenzie, Donna Scarbrough, Betsy Hobbs, Sharon Bliss, Anne & Gary Parsons, Linda Campbell, Terri Clark, Pam White, Cathy Mascitelli, Diane Gallagher, Annette Emmett and Carmela Raack.

Click the thumbnail for a larger view of photo: