A quilt in vibrant colors, and with an interesting story behind it, will be given away on Feb. 29.
Turquoise, grass green, red and yellow are the dominant colors in the king-sized quilt made by staff members and clients at Creative Community Living’s 12th Street residence. Veggie Tales characters are featured in some of the fabric.
After the quilt top was stitched together by 12th Street folks, an experienced quilter completed the bed cover.
Gene Weiss first began raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association about 30 years ago while living at Winfield State Hospital and made several appearances on KAKE Television to present the money.
When the state hospital closed and Gene moved to his CCL residence at 2730 E. 12th, he continued to raise money for MDA.
In recent years he has presented the money to Winfield firefighters on Labor Day. But if Gene raises $1,000 or more, he will be invited to appear on television again, and that is the goal he and his supporters have set.
“We’re striving to help Gene collect $1,000 this year so he can be on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon,” said Bill Hedden, team leader at Gene’s residence. “We’ve been working on the quilt for about five months. It was staff member Jessica Evans’ idea to do this. We hope to get all the individuals (at 12th Street) involved in selling tickets.”
A $1 donation is asked per ticket, or $5 for six tickets. They can be purchased from anyone at the residence; the receptionist in CCL’s offices in Meyer Hall at Baden Square; or from case manager Karen Snell. Cash donations, rather than checks, are preferred.
