The Valley Quilters Guild (VQG) is a nonprofit committed to enhancing the educational and charitable aspects of quilting.
The Valley Quilters Guild (VQG) is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the educational and charitable aspects of quilting. The mission of Valley Quilters Guild is to promote quilt-making and foster an appreciation for quilts while enhancing members' knowledge of quilting techniques and history. One of the significant enterprises this year benefits Quilts of Valor® (QOV) which operates in the Mat-Su Borough through two dedicated groups: The Forget-Me-Not Quilters of Alaska and Valley Quilts of Valor. The primary aim of QOV is to create and present unique, handmade quilts to veterans and active-duty service members, offering them comfort and healing. Notably, local QOV groups do not receive funding from the national foundation; instead, they rely solely on generous donations from the local community.
These organizations, along with the Bright Lights Book Project (BLBP) are collaborating for a fundraising event during Colony Days to support their missions. On Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a small quilt auction will take place at the Eagle Hotel in Palmer, 918 S Colony Way. The auction will feature both in-person silent bidding and an online bidding option, with all proceeds benefiting the two local QOV groups. This event is particularly significant as it honors and recognizes the contributions of local veterans, many of whom are senior citizens.
A highlight of the auction is a special commemorative quilt created by VQG members in 2001 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Palmer's incorporation. Featuring iconic buildings from Palmer's past, this custom-made quilt will be auctioned (along with many other quilts, books, and more). The Palmer Historic Buildings Quilt has been on display in various historic locations around Palmer in the weeks leading up to the event, allowing the community to appreciate its artistic and historical value.
This patriotic event on June 14 coincides not only with Flag Day but also commemorates significant anniversaries, including the 90th of the Palmer Colony, the 40th of Valley Quilters Guild, the 22nd of Quilts of Valor, and the fifth of the Bright Lights Book Project.
The national Quilts of Valor Foundation, founded by Catherine Roberts, was inspired by her personal experience with her deployed son. Her journey began with a dream where a soldier found peace in a quilt, leading to a movement dedicated to comforting service members across the nation. Since then, QOV has grown to include more than 10,000 members and has awarded 408,000 quilts nationwide, including nearly 5,000 in Alaska alone.
In addition to providing comfort, these quilts offer numerous benefits to senior citizens. Engaging in quilting as a hobby can enhance cognitive function, reduce feelings of isolation, and boost mood through creative expression. Participating in community quilting activities fosters social connections, allowing seniors to bond with others and share their stories and experiences.
Anyone interested in these activities to attend Valley Quilters Guild meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Palmer Train Depot.
For more information or to get involved in VQG, QOV, and/or BLBP, please reach out to Cheryl Homme at 907-355-2134, Patty Livingston at 907-354-0919, Jana Berna at 907-795-5386, or Susan Franznick at 907-315-3519. Join us in supporting our veterans and promoting literacy while enjoying the enriching community experience that quilting fosters.
