Excitement and anticipation for the annual Gems & Java event was met with disappointment for Beth Phoenix when social gathering restrictions put a halt to the traditional annual fundraiser. When the call went out to our volunteers to imagine new ways to raise funds for programs in Ethiopia, Beth pulled out her sewing machine and began quilting.
Beth showing off a Harry Potter quilt.
After she retired eight years ago, Beth welcomed the chance to get back into the craft. She has always loved to quilt, believing herself to be a quilter at heart. The art of making quilt tops and then machine quilting them has been a challenge for Beth, but the gorgeous finished product motivates her to keep honing her skills. And skilled she is, indeed.
Beth’s husband sits on the Mothers with a Heart for Ethiopia board, and when the fundraising efforts of Gems & Java were threatened by COVID-19, he challenged his wife to use her skills to make something unique and beautiful to sell. Beth decided to donate two quilts with a Harry Potter theme. The Phoenix family has a deep a passion for all things Harry Potter. Wait until you see these quilts. They are amazing!
Beth, the magnificent quilter, tells us that “each of the quilts is machine pieced from 100% cotton fabric and they are both suitable for a double or single bed. The quilting was done on a longarm quilting machine so they are durable enough for frequent washings. Anyone who is a Harry Potter fan would love to add one of these quilts to their Harry Potter collection.”
Mothers with a Heart is near and dear to Beth’s heart and she has attended Gems & Java herself. Both Beth and her husband share a deep passion for our work funding programs to benefit women and children living in poverty in Ethiopia. Beth was excited to attend this year’s event and, like many of us, was saddened that the gathering had to be postponed. When news came out about the online auction, Beth knew it would be a great way to keep everyone involved as well as to raise much needed funds.
We are anxious to see the excitement her Harry Potter quilts will generate!