And The Winner Is . . . .

Okay, here is the video of the Raffle Drawing conducted today at Inklings Bookshop!

Congratulations to our winner!

Just a Few Raffle Tickets Remain!

Less than a dozen tickets remain to be sold before Tuesday's raffle! On June 28 I will video the drawing, to be held at Inklings Bookshop, and post it online. Of course, I will also call you to let you know you are a winner!

Thus far we have been able to deposit approximately $3800 in the account for Kim's family. What a thrill to be able to help another in a time of need! In addition, a number of you have generously pledged to donate a set amount for six months, resulting in a promised sum of just over $300 per month! This will provide the family some stability while Kim is out of work recovering from her upcoming surgery. THANK YOU! If you can add $10 or $20 per month to this amount, it will add up and help greatly!

As promised in my earlier posting, for each commitment of $50 a month, I will make a quilted wall hanging or table runner. Commit to a gift of $100 per month for 6 months, and I will create a lap quilt or large wall quilt. These can be any theme, season, holiday, or color combo of your choice. Imagine the beautiful colors of autumn, or a winter snowman or a nature scene decorating your walls! I am already busy working on several for those who have promised to donate monthly, and I am so very happy to be doing it!

If someone wrote a book about Kim's life, it would never get published. The story would be unbelievable! How could one person have so much illness? And now she has suffered another family tragedy: Yesterday she called me, distraught and in tears. Her brother living in the Auburn area was killed while working on his car. He was under the SUV when it fell on him, killing him immediately! His two teenage sons were with him. I spent time with Kim in the afternoon at her home, trying to offer some comfort before she headed to the coast to be with other siblings. But what can one say beyond "I love you and I'm praying for you?" I AM praying for her, and I ask you to do the same.

She still is unsure when the surgery will be scheduled. She spent Monday and Tuesday at the U of W Hospital undergoing tests, and is waiting for a further test to be scheduled. While in Seattle the family's car was sideswiped! Thankfully no one was hurt! But still: Unbelievable doesn't quite cover it!

Please let me know if you or friends would like to buy a raffle ticket.

And please, pray for Kim and her family.

Love,

Gayle

What a Great Feeling to Help Someone in Need!

The yard sale last Saturday was a great success, thanks in part to so many good friends who donated items and lent a hand. We raised more than $1200, and Kim was overwhelmed when she learned she could make her June housepayment as well as a good head start on next month's.

Kim wrote a note that expressed her family's thoughts to all of us: "Thank you all so much for all you are doing for me and my family. I would have never thought I would be going through these tough times, and for people who don't even know me to help us means so much to me. I am so grateful. . . . Maybe one day I can make this up to you. I know you don't expect it, but that's why I want to. God bless you all."

My ongoing concern is to continue to provide her support during the next six months. She will learn in a couple of weeks when her surgery will take place, and then she will be unable to work for several months. What can we do?

A couple of friends have suggested that if we had a bunch of people who would commit to donating a set amount each month, we might just be able to do it. Sooooooo. Here's my offer. To anyone who will commit to donating $50 per month for 6 months, I will make you a quilted wall hanging or 2 pillows. These are smaller quilts, around 18 x 24 inches, and you see some photos of a few on this page. If you will donate $100 or more monthly for 6 months I will make you a lap quilt, your choice of colors and patterns. Yes, I'll be busy, won't I? I hope so!

I will be at Chalet Place for the Art Fest tomorrow, Saturday, June 12, selling quilt raffle tickets. I probably will need to leave about 1:00 to watch granddaughters play basketball, so come by before then to say hello. There are only about 70 tickets left, so be sure to get yours!

Blessings on you all.

Gayle

Yard Sale Tomorrow!

Wow, so many generous friends and caring people! Lots of folks have come by with GOOD STUFF for the Tancara yard sale tomorrow. I've been busy trying to get things priced, and won't get everything marked. There are desks, vacuum cleaners, grills, lots of kitchen items, glassware, home decor, very nice clothing, light fixtures, tables, sewing items--LOTS! Come early, the coffee will be on. I'll have the quilt on display and tickets available.

A couple of GOOD NEWS items:

First, Kim was able to pay her house payment for the month of May! And after this yard sale she'll be on her way to making the June payment. She has had further conversations with the bank, and they are sending her paperwork to apply for restructuring her home loan, possibly reducing her payments.

She hasn't been feeling well this past week, but being able to make her house payment really perked her up. Thanks to so many generous friends, she feels HOPE, which has been a rare commodity for her.

Second, also thanks to so many of you, we have sold HALF the tickets--125--for the quilt raffle! I am just astounded at your kindness. You are all winners, and I humbly thank you. Every time I'm able to deposit another hundred dollars in Kim's account I am so thankful for your goodness.

Come by anytime between 8-2 Saturday. 710 Leann Place