Submitted by Cheryl Homme

The Valley Quilters Guild (VQG) is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the educational and charitable aspects of quilting. With a mission to foster an appreciation for quilts, VQG sponsors and supports a wide variety of quilting activities, promotes quilt-making, and seeks to enhance members' knowledge of techniques and history. 

Quilts of Valor (QOV) operates in the Mat-Su Borough through two dedicated groups: The Forget-Me-Not Quilters of Alaska and Valley Quilts of Valor. The core mission of QOV is to craft and present one-of-a-kind, hand-made quilts to veterans and active service members as a form of comfort and healing. Importantly, QOV groups do not receive funding from the national foundation; instead, we rely entirely on donations.

The Bright Lights Book Project (BLBP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to visualizing the power of literacy to change lives. BLBP sponsors 30-plus bookcases sprinkled around the Valley putting free books into the hands of readers, partners with Kids Kupboard to provide free bagged lunches to children three days a week, sends books to Alaska villages, and offers literacy programs.

These three organizations, while distinct in their individual missions, are teaming up for a special fundraising event during Colony Days.

On Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. a small quilt auction will be held at the historic Eagle Hotel in Palmer, 918 S Colony Way in Palmer. This event will offer both in-person silent bidding and an online bidding option. All proceeds will benefit the two local QOV groups, underscoring the commitment to honoring local veterans.

In a notable historic tribute, VQG members created a special commemorative quilt in 2001 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Palmer’s incorporation. This beautiful custom-made quilt, which features iconic buildings from Palmer’s past, also will be auctioned. Currently, this quilt is on display in various historic locations around Palmer on a rotating schedule. We encourage everyone to watch for this quilt and then join us on June 14 to place your bids and own a piece of Palmer’s history.  Many additional quilts, books, and other items will be available at this auction.

This patriotic event on June 14 coincides with Flag Day, and marks several significant anniversaries, including the Palmer Colony's 90th, Valley Quilters Guild's 40th, Quilts of Valor's 22nd, and Bright Lights Book Project’s 5th.

The origin of the national QOV Foundation is inspiring. Established by Catherine Roberts, QOV was born from a deeply personal experience. Catherine’s son was deployed to Iraq, and like many parents, she felt a profound sense of worry and longing to do something meaningful. One night, she had a vivid dream about a soldier grappling with his wartime demons. In her dream, the soldier found solace in a quilt draped around his shoulders. Upon waking, Catherine felt compelled to act.

She reached out to a chaplain at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, who facilitated a meeting with a soldier who had lost a leg. After their conversation, Catherine wrapped the soldier in a quilt she had made. The chaplain later remarked, “I think you’re onto something; that’s the first time that young man has smiled since he’s been here.” That moment marked the beginning of a movement dedicated to providing comfort to service members across the nation.

Since its inception, QOV has grown to include more than 10,000 members in all 50 states, and has awarded 405,000 quilts nationwide. Wasilla resident Linda Kau brought Quilts of Valor to Alaska in 2010.  Since then, nearly 5,000 QOVs have been awarded in Alaska. These quilts symbolize recognition of courage and valor for those who served honorably, whether in times of conflict or peace.

Each Quilt of Valor is a collaborative effort, highlighting the strength of our community. The name of each recipient is on a label on the back of the quilt. Award ceremonies also provide a heartfelt moment where we acknowledge the experiences of Vietnam veterans and how they were treated upon return to the States.  These are impactful ceremonies where we give these Veterans the recognition they deserve. 

To nominate yourself or someone else for a Quilt of Valor, visit qovf.org and complete the online nomination form -- an easy process that takes just 10 minutes.

You are also invited to see what the Valley Quilters Guild is all about.  We meet at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Palmer Train Depot.  Many quilters are proud members of both the VQG and QOV.

If you have a desire to get involved with these events, or need more information, please contact Cheryl Homme at 907-355-2134, Patty Livingston at 907-354-0919, Jana Berna at 907-795-5386, or Susan Franznick at 907-315-3519.