Quilt of Dreams Showcase
Sponsored by Epsilon Sigma Alpha

Program Overview
Quilt of Dreams is a nationwide fund-raising promotion sponsored by Hancock Fabrics to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each year, Hancock Fabrics designs new, one-of-a-kind fabric patterns, some using original patient artwork and others inspired by dreams of children receiving treatments at the Hospital.

The fabric is sold in their stores nationwide and Hancock Fabrics donates 30 cents to St. Jude for each yard sold. Quilters from all over the country use the St. Jude fabric and the dreams of St. Jude patients to make lap quilts. Quilters turn in their quilts to a local Hancock Fabrics store to be judged for a national contest. Most of the quilts are accompanied with a story. After the contest, the quilts are given to St. Jude to be distributed to patients, and to be used for additional fund-raising opportunities.

ESA and Quilt of Dreams
Epsilon Sigma Alpha has the opportunity to help raise additional dollars for St. Jude by hosting a St. Jude Quilt of Dreams Showcase featuring the Quilt of Dreams winning quilts. Fifteen locations across the country will be targeted by St. Jude to host a Showcase from December 1, 2005 to May 31, 2006, based on the following criteria:
• Cities with an ESA chapter
• Locations with Hancock Fabrics store(s)
• Markets with no St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway

Chapter(s) in the target locations will receive 50 quilts to display and auction locally (for a minimum bid of $150 each.) The 15 locations targeted by St. Jude and the Circle of Life Office for hosting a Showcase include:
• Birmingham, AL
• Pine Bluff, AR
• Aurora, CO
• Tampa, FL
• Davenport, IA
• Indianapolis, IN
• Wichita, KS
• Minneapolis, MN
• Tulsa, OK
• Portland, OR
• Columbia, SC
• Raleigh, NC
• Lincoln, NE
• Madison, WI
• Salt Lake City, UT

All other ESA chapters not hosting a Showcase in their communities can request 10 quilts from the Circle of Life Office to sell at existing local fund-raising events such as craft shows or silent auctions. (Order forms will soon be available in the Member Center, a secure section especially for our members.) These chapters can help build the Showcase program by creating new events or partnering with established events to raise dollars for the Kids. These quilts are also to be sold for a minimum of $150 each.

ESA Responsibilities
It is suggested that the targeted Showcase locations and individual chapters host these events at convention centers, civic centers, schools, universities, churches, or museums. Chapters are also responsible for recruiting local sponsors to provide donations and logistical resources. In addition, chapters will want to involve local quilting clubs to obtain event volunteers, advertising opportunities and increased attendance at the event. The Circle of Life office will provide chapters with additional support as necessary.

St. Jude Responsibilities (targeted Showcase sites only)
St. Jude regional staff will assist and support targeted Showcase event locations with developing and executing the events. This includes providing contact information for Hancock Fabrics stores, working with Hancock Fabrics stores to develop advertising and printed materials, and recruiting the participation of local quilters to attend the event and possibly provide quilting presentations/demonstrations.

Resource Materials
Promotional materials and event resources will soon be posted in the Member Center. Click here for additional information and ideas presented by Debbie Willoughby, Circle of Life-Senior Coordinator, at the Pace Setters Workshop held at the 2005 International Council Convention.

Note: Budget considerations for publicity and promotional materials for the 15 targeted sites will be handled through St. Jude regional offices. No additional budget will be available for other chapters hosting additional events.

ESA Credit
To ensure proper credit, all Quilt of Dream projects must be booked through the Circle of Life Office. Click here to access the forms from the Member Center.

Timeline
-November 2005: St. Jude will distribute 50 quilts to the 15 Showcase locations, as well as ship 10 quilts to all other participating ESA chapters.
-December 2005 to May 2006: The 15 target locations will host Showcases in their markets, while the other participating ESA chapters sell the quilts at existing St. Jude fund-raisers.

Try something new. Make a Kid’s dream come true!
Contact the Circle of Life Office at 970.223.2824 or click here to send an email if you are interested in knowing more about the program and would like someone to contact you.