HOW MUCH HAS THE QUILTING BEE RAISED IN 17 YEARS?

The offical amount raised by the 2016 Airedale Rescue Quilting Bee "Leap Y'Aire" Quilt is $26,660! 

The Airedale Rescue Quilting Bee started in 1999 and to date has raised a total of $252,200, which includes this last fundraiser!  All the money has gone to National Airedale Rescue. The end of this major yearly fundraiser is a HUGE loss for National Airedale Rescue and we'll all need to brainstorm and come up with a new super fundraising event for the future.

I think I speak for all the Bee members in saying it's been an honor and a privilege to work with this wonderful and creative group, who brought 17 years worth of Airedale-themed quilts to life.  I've only been a member since 2011 starting with the 2012 Quilt, "Garden Party".  I knew nothing, and I mean nothing, about hand applique and quilting.  I am still learning. But a Bee member, Marianne Perry, lived about an hour away and was my mentor.  Others around the country shared their tips and fabric to get this neophyte started.  I don't envision myself ever making a large quilt, but I do want to continue the craft of making wall hangings a few times a year. 

When I first heard about the Bee, I was amazed that a group of women and Airedale lovers, many who have never met each other, came together to create such beautiful works of art, all through the use and community of the internet. I was National Airedale Rescue Treasurer then and I was stunned and very grateful at what was raised.  

Now that the Bee has dissolved, we need to brainstorm and figure out other ways to generate income each year to benefit Airedales in need.  National Airedale Rescue helps those regional rescues who don't have the time, an affiliation with a regional Airedale club or the ability to raise funds on their own.  Often these groups are in areas of the country that have an enormous amount of Rescue Airedales needing help.  How can we help these groups still continue to Rescue Airedales and give them the medical help so many of them very often require before going on to their new homes?

If you have any ideas, please forward them to the Treasurer of National Airedale Rescue, Rusty LaFrance.  There is a huge need for rescue volunteers on all levels - in the trenches physically rescuing the dogs, good foster homes, transportation, interviewing and assessing potential homes, fundraising, both the creative side and the managerial side of fundraising.  All of these are ways YOU can contribute to Airedale Rescue.