Title: Celebrities autograph quilt for Brethren retirement center Oct. 13, 2006 Church of the Brethren News Service Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, News Director 800-323-8039 ext. 260 -- cobnews@brethren.org
CELEBRITIES AUTOGRAPH QUILT FOR CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN RETIREMENT CENTER
Oct. 13, 2006 (Elgin, IL) -- Fahrney-Keedy Memorial Home, Inc., a Church of the Brethren retirement center in Boonsboro, Md., has been requesting autographs from celebrities for a quilt to be auctioned as a fundraiser for the home.
The home created an Autograph Quilt Committee in early June, coordinated by Betsy Miller, who sent letters to over 300 celebrities enclosing a fabric square with every letter, requesting that they autograph the fabric.
The first celebrity to respond was Jerry Lewis, and many more soon followed. One autograph recently received was from Elizabeth Taylor. Others that have responded include John Travolta, Charlton Heston, Lauren Bacall, Regis Philbin, Betty White, and Nascar's Jimmy Johnson and Carl Edwards. To date, a total of 60 autographs have been received.
The project brings enjoyment to the residents, their families, staff, and visitors, according to a release from the home: "Everyone looks forward to seeing 'who we get today' and reminiscing about the movies and shows their favorite stars appeared in. Each autograph received is proudly displayed on the main office window with a picture of the celebrity."
The committee will begin to construct a quilt top this month. They hope to receive offers from volunteers willing and able to assist in the quilting process. Once completed, the quilt will be listed on a national auction website. All proceeds will be donated to the benevolent and operating funds of Fahrney-Keedy Home and Village.
The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination committed to continuing the work of Jesus peacefully and simply, and to living out its faith in community. The denomination is based in the Anabaptist and Pietist faith traditions and is one of the three Historic Peace Churches. It celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2008. It counts about 130,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, and has missions and sister churches in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Nigeria.
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For more information contact:
Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford Director of News Services Church of the Brethren General Board 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 800-323-8039 ext. 260 cobnews@brethren.org
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