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Quilt could be a stitch in time for veterans

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: October 24, 2009

Ever since her first quilt 10 years ago, Pasco School Board member Joanne Hurley knew the hobby would always have a piece of her heart.

Hurley has donated one of her latest creations, "Quilt of Valor," for the silent auction at tonight's fundraiser, "A Night for Heroes," according to one of the organizers, Sandra Graves, co-vice president for the Republican Club of Central Pasco.

Money will go to the Fisher House, which offers free lodging for families of military men and women undergoing treatment and rehabilitation at the James A. Haley Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in Tampa.

Hurley pieced together the quilt and chose quilt artist Susan Schmitz of Dade City to apply the machine quilt stitch so that it was entirely handmade by Pasco County residents.

The "Quilt of Valor" is vivid red, white, and blue and features a bold, 8-pointed Lemoyne star pattern. The "Quilt of Valor" Foundation's mission is to cover all combat wounded and injured service members from the War on Terror, regardless if they were wounded physically or psychologically.

To date, more than 24,000 quilts have been made and donated to the cause. For more information, go online to www.qofg.org.

Hurley learned the art of quilting from members of Lutz United Methodist Women's Circle.

"Each year the Circle made a beautiful quilt to raise money for missions," Hurley said in a press release. Betty Roberts, Betty Law and others guided the recruits.

Hurley now belongs to Cypress Creek Quilt Guild, whose members are creating and donating the Quilts of Valor. She has exhibited her quilts and has won the "Viewer's Choice" award from the Dade City Pioneer Museum Quilt Show.

Hurley made her quilt in hopes that it might serve the purpose it was intended for and that the Fisher House, a house similar to the Ronald McDonald House for veteran and active military families, might benefit from the proceeds. She also wanted to bring awareness to the Quilt of Valor Foundation.

The Republican Club of Central Pasco and the West Pasco Republican Club are sponsoring the Night for Heroes event at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Saturday, at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, and U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, are among scheduled speakers. For information, call 813-996-3011 or go online to www.republicanclubofcentralpasco.com.

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