"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.

Celebrate Rotary! Rotary International Convention, Chicago, Illinois, USA, June 19-22, 2005.

Welcome to the House of Friendship.

The RFQFA displays the Centennial Quilt, Quilts by Wrap-a-Smile, a Quilt made by Cliff Dochterman, and a 1920 antique quilt.

Madera, California, members Diana Barden, Phyllis Giersch and Marty Wyatt show off the Centennial Celebration Quilt.

Spouses Dick Wyatt and Gary Giersch cover for a lunch break. Do you know they have been sewing for 35 years?!

Annette Emmett from Tasmania, Australia, created the kangaroo block for the quilt and came by to take a look.

A darling Exchange Student named Nina from Germany D1950 wants to learn to quilt. Visitor Kathleen wants to learn German - instant friendship!!

The neighboring fellowship booth belonged to the Fellowship of Floral Designers who gave periodic flower arranging demonstrations.

Our Quilt Fellowship Booth was a huge success and very popular with visitors to the House of Friendship.

Members Mairy Guthleben and Pat Surra attended the convention and enjoyed seeing their quilt blocks as part of the completed project.

Mairy reads the label on the back of the quilt that tells about our Fellowship and lists the names of all the contributors.

New Member Sandy from Ontario, Canada, is ready to sign up on the spot!

Christine Lind Hage from Michigan stopped by to have her photo taken next to quilt block made by her friend Nann Hilyard.

Betsy Hobbs on the right helps Phyllis in the booth. Betsy isn't a quilter, but she's a great volunteer!

District 5220 Governor Dave Gallagher is proud of Phyllis and the work the Fellowship is doing.

Member Carmela Raack brought baby quilts and pillowcases to donate in Chicago. Thanks for organizing this wonderful project!

Phyllis tries to sign up a male member. Many men stopped by to pick of applications.

Rotary Bear made by Diana Bailey was very popular.

The RV Fellowship had a quilt on display, too.

Anne & Gary Parsons from Canada take a shift working in the booth. Anne introduced us to a great magazine called the "Canadian Quilter".