And if it goes according to the old saying, Spring might
actually get here. But March roared in.
In more ways than one. After finishing February with the
most snow we’ve had for quite some time, setting new record low temperatures
and braving the elements for the Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest let’s just say Not
Forgotten QOV roared into March as well.
With the combined February Events,
Birds of a Feather where we started February
Elaine and I at Birds of a Feather
and finished it off with the Mid
Atlantic Quilt Fest we exceeded our expectations and goals that will provide us
with a strong financial account with QOVF that will give us the base we need to
support the needs of the many volunteers that make up Not Forgotten QOV and
share in our quest as we contribute to the QOVF Mission.
We need to acknowledge David and Pete Mancuso along with Scott
Houston from Mancuso Show Management for their hospitality and generous
contributions for allowing us to participate in their event. Equally we want to
send out a big thanks to Valerie Schlake and the Virginia Longarm Network for
providing us the opportunity to promote the Quilts of Valor Foundation at their
annual longarmers event, Birds of a Feather. Everyone welcomed us with open
arms and kindness. Seems to be a trend when you’re hanging out with folks
associated with quilting. It just never seems to stop.
But along with all this joy comes some sadness, even though
it was replaced quickly with joy because “Sugar Ray” (57 Singer Featherweight)
found a new home there was a void…
"Sugar Ray" on display at Mid Atlantic
briefly in our home. Elaine wasted no time in
filling it. We passed Sugar on to Kathy W. the winner of the Featherweight
Raffle. And as Sugar left a new Brother VE 2200 DreamMaker took his place. I
guess Elaine just couldn’t live with only 21 machines.
The new DreamMaker
The Raffle in itself was eventful. We needed someone to draw
the winning ticket. As luck would have it a gentleman came by the booth, he was
admiring Sugar Ray and we started up a conversation. He explained he worked for
Singer for more than a decade in the 60’ and 70’s and sold way too many to
count Featherweights. Mike C. drew the winning ticket
Mike drawing the winning ticket
and Kathy W. couldn’t be
happier.
Kathy W and Mike with Sugar Ray
Mike also pulled the Raffle Quilt Winner, Mary S. from North Western
Virginia. She was contacted by phone and you could feel her excitement over the
phone. We will be shipping out her new quilt as soon as possible.
Both events will always be great memories. Memories that will
include the friendships of Marianne Elliott who came down from Maryland to help
us with the Mid Atlantic. Be assured no small feat when you consider her
schedule and work load as the Managing Editor for the QOVF Newsletter, Threads
and a tireless Executive Staff Volunteer.
Marianne at Mid Atlantic...Her first Quilt Show by the way
To Nancy Z. the crafter whose endless
support to Not Forgotten QOV included making the Raffle Quilt and Susan G. who
always finds time in her schedule to spend a day with us at the booth. She just
lights up the booth with her personality and the sincere joyous attitude and
dedication to the Quilts of Valor. Not Forgotten QOV’s success is bolstered by
their participation.
Okay so you didn’t ask…But just in case someone does ask.
Why do you QOV? Well let me tell you. Because we will Never Forget. On Friday
evening after our day at the Mid Atlantic we made a little stop on the way
home. One of the QOV volunteers we shared a day with last November in Corning
New York at the Southern Tier Quilts of Valor (STQOV) Marathon, Sandy V, ask if we could award a quilt she had made for
her Navy career daughter when she was home here in Virginia Beach whenever that
might be. Well it all came together this week end. In the process of her
career, which included Desert Storm, her daughter, Tammy K. raised three
daughters as a single parent. Sandy was able to get everyone together and we
met up for the award. Tammy never saw it coming. Yes it was a tissue event.
Sandy (Mom) and Elaine open Tammy's QOV
Mom and daughter
Sandy, Tammy and her three daughters, Paige, Hali and Sky
Then on Sunday we had a visit at the booth from Mr. and Mrs V. Well as it
often is the case they had never heard of Quilts of Valor and as it turns out
Vincent V. was retired Navy with 20+ years of service like Tammy. Mrs. V was
very moved by what we did and asked.
“Just how do you make the awards?”
Well I
took that as my cue.
“Mrs. V let me show you.”
Of course we had QOV’s standing
by.
Vincent had never received a QOV. Well we took care of that as well. And
yes it too required some tissue. Not for me you understand. I have a Marine
Corps image to uphold. I use my sleeve.
Elaine administering the "quilty hug."
Vincent...thank you for your service and sacrifices.
and that's how we do it Mrs. V.
So as the snow melts, the temperatures rise, although only
slightly, we take the roar of March as a gift and hope the lamb shows itself as
we head into Spring. We are grateful for the success of both events, grateful
for the Mother’s vision of Catherine Roberts and the work, unselfish dedication
and commitment of the Quilts of Valor volunteers from coast to coast and
country to country that keep this organization on course and on mission.
For
there is no truer statement than…
”We couldn’t do it without you.”
Rest assured, each and every volunteer…that too is something we will Never Forget.
Quilt till you wilt…we do.
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