We’re absolutely thrilled to share that the 22nd Annual Festival of Quilts stitched together an incredible $86,435 in total proceeds!
For more than 20 years, you’ve shown up with open hearts, generous spirits and a whole lot of love, and that’s what makes this event so special year after year. Because of you, this cherished tradition continues to thrive, wrapping our community in warmth, joy and real impact.
From every purchase, every visit and every act of kindness—thank you for being such an important part of this beautiful story.
Ella and Daniel, who live close to Cunningham, had been noticing the Festival of Quilts yard signs, so on Friday morning they decided to swing by and check it out. They walked past plenty of quilts first—so many to take in—but then one stopped them in their tracks. It was “Ponies and Teepees,” quilted and donated by Marilyn Hungerford.
Daniel noticed it right away. It reminded him of being a kid, when he was really into cowboys and Indians and could spend hours in that world. Something about the quilt just took him back there. Ella had her own reaction. She loved the colors first, then the pattern—it felt fun and familiar—and then it hit her why. They reminded her of Tootsie Roll lollipops. She laughed talking about how she used to check the wrapper every time, hoping for the one that meant you got a free sucker. So, they stood there, both kind of smiling, realizing this one quilt had pulled up completely different—but equally sweet—childhood memories for each of them. And the icing on the cake? They were able to talk with Marilyn, who shared with them the inspiration behind the making of the quilt!
Monica Robinson, a teacher from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, made the trip to Urbana for the Festival of Quilts once again. After attending for the first time a few years ago, she was completely hooked and now makes the journey over each year.
On Saturday, while exploring the beautiful displays in the Spiritual Life Center with her mom and sisters, Monica suddenly stopped in her tracks when she spotted a quilt titled, “Yoga Frogs,” quilted and donated by Kathy Perisho.
“Oh, I love this!” Monica said. “You’ve heard W.W.J.D.—What Would Jesus Do? Well, F.R.O.G. means Fully Relying on God, and I have frog décor all over my classroom.”
Although she had already purchased a quilt for a friend, enjoyed a couple of lattes from Cup of Hope—the student-run coffee shop at Cunningham—and found a centerpiece and many treasures in the Gift Shop, she was already over budget so Monica decided to pass on the quilt she truly loved. But her sisters had other plans. After she moved on to the Show Quilt room, they quietly went back and purchased it for her. Later that evening, they surprised her with the “Yoga Frogs” quilt—much to her delight.
By Monday morning, it was proudly hanging in her classroom, a joyful reminder of a special weekend and the love of family.
