Quilt guild donates to North County nonprofits
– This Monday, the Almond Country Quilt Guild presented checks totaling $6,200 to two local non-profit organizations. The donation was split equally between El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and ALF Food Pantry, who each received $3,100.
The monies were raised through the guild’s annual quilt auction held in November. Over 50 quilts were made and donated by members of the guild. The guild also offered hand crafted boutique items for sale, as well as a raffle.
“We are so honored to have been chosen by the ACQG to receive this very gracious donation and will be using this money to continue to provide a high level of services to those experiencing homelessness,” said Director of Operations and Development at ECHO Austin Solheim.
“It’s groups like the ACQG that insure that we can continue to operate at a high level and help so many people right here in our community,” said Tim Eckles, president of ALF Food Pantry, “We are sincerely appreciative of the efforts and generosity of the Guild’s leadership and membership,” Eckles said.
ACQG President Elizabeth Roebber said that the quilt auction was one of the biggest events over the past few years. “Attendance was very good this year and was likely due, in large part, to the amazingly creative and high quality quilts that our members donated for the auction,” Roebber said.
In attendance at the donation ceremony were San Luis Obispo County Supervisor John Peschong, Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno, and Atascadero City Council Member Mark Dariz.
“The guild has an incredibly generous membership who work hard all year to donate their time and their amazing quilt creations and I’m grateful to have them in our community. Our community wins because of people like the guild membership who come together for a greater good,” Supervisor Peschong said.
Mayor Moreno shared Peschong’s sentiment by saying, “Our local governments work hard to fund a variety of programs to help those in need, but it’s these non-profit organizations that help lead the way and provide essential services like food and shelter at a grassroots level. The quilt guild is a shining example of how a group of people can come together to contribute to this chain of services.”
Council Member Dariz also mentioned another donation that was made by the Guild in November. “I was so happy to learn tonight that the guild not only made this monetary donation, but also spent all year creating 251 handmade quilts that were donated to our SLO County foster care community.”
Planning for the 2024 auction is already underway with members beginning their quilts and making plans for an even bigger event for the community. Visit https://www.acqguild.com for information about the guild, membership, meeting schedules, and events.
