GENEVA (SNR) – Members of St. Joseph Parish in Geneva’s “U.G.L.Y.” quilters will launch a silent auction Nov. 21 with proceeds designated locally.
This year’s auction items include quilts, other handcrafted pieces, and certificates for special baked goods from local bakers.
The bidding begins Nov. 21 and ends after Mass Sunday, Dec. 12. Bidding takes place in the gathering area of the church during those dates. Those who wish to contribute without bidding may leave donations in the church office during the day, Monday through Friday, excluding Wednesday when the office is closed.
U.G.L.Y. is an acronym for “unconditionally God loves you.” This project began in 1996 when the first quilts were made from donated, repurposed fabric: motel bedspreads, camouflage fabric from a manufacturing company, curtains, bed sheets from thrift stores and garage sales. During the first 10 years, the women assembled 800 quilts which they donated to Catholic Social Services, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, York Living Water and Rescue, and Our Lady of Lourdes School in Porcupine, S.D. An extension of this ongoing project was the addition of a regular fundraiser which enabled parishioners and local residents to bid on some of the quilts.
Although the quilters decided that 2006 would be their final year, more supplies appeared on a regular basis. The family of a local quilter who had died donated her fabric stash. The members decided to continue.
One of the quilts in this year’s auction incorporates fabric from India, donated by the late Vina Mody. The opportunity to use new and unusual fabric inspired the quilters to be more innovative in assembling the 6-inch blocks – some blocks turned into triangles.
The St. Joseph Church quilters invite all interested to 831 E St., Geneva, to see what they sew.
