Bend Food Project Quilt Sale benefits local children, also helps The Giving Plate in fulfilling its mission

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Quilters in Central Oregon are making a difference in childhood food insecurity by selling hundreds of beautifully crafted quilts at a Saturday event. All proceeds from the quilt sale will go towards providing food for kids through the Bend Food Project and The Giving Plate.

This year, the third annual Bend Food Project Quilt Sale took place Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon. Showcasing the generosity and creativity of the community in addressing this important issue, the organizers hope to surpass the $23,000 raised last year.

The donated quilts reflect the handiwork of almost 80 local quilters.  There are over 300 quilts to choose from. The quilts range in price from $50 for a baby quilt to $550 for a king-sized quilt. 

According to Sandra Henderson, organizer of the BFP Quilt Sale, “This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase quilts for gifts, or maybe just treat yourself to a cozy quilt in anticipation of the colder weather to come.” 

The event is the single biggest fundraiser for the Bend Food Project. Sue Marceaux, Director of BFP, noted, “We are so grateful to the quilters for making this such a wonderful event and raising such a large sum of money to feed kids.”

“The need for food for children in Central Oregon is greater than the overall need for food,” according to Ranae Staley, Director of The Giving Plate, a Bend-based food pantry.  Through its Kid’s Korner programs, about 1,500 children are provided with food every month. Since opening the new Community Store in April, there has been substantial growth in the need for food for children.

Staley notes, “The proceeds from the quilt sale go a long way in providing food for kids. The generosity and talent of our local quilt community is making a difference.”

Henderson encouraged interested buyers to get to the sale early for the best selection of quilts.  “It is amazing to see the enthusiasm and excitement when the doors open at 9 a.m.” The Unitarian Fellowship is located at 61980 Skyline Ranch Road in Bend.  A preview of selected quilts can be found on the website www.bfpquiltsale.org

For more information about the quilt sale, contact Sandra Henderson info@bfpquiltsale.org  303-817-3774  Buy a Quilt Feed a Kid.

About The Bend Food Project:  Started in October of 2015 by a small group of residents who wanted to help fight hunger in the Bend area, the Bend Food Project has collected and donated over 1,500,000 pounds of food to those in need.  For more information, contact: bendfoodproject@gmail.com