ALZHEIMERS ART QUILT INITIATIVE
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June 22, 2010
I first learned of AAQI last year while searching the internet for information on Alzheimer's. I wanted to learn more about the disease that is stealing my uncle's memories. Alzquilts.org came up on the results page and grabbed my attention because as a quilter, I'm always willing to look at the eye candy! AAQI is so much more than just eye candy though. I have never met Ami - but feel like I'm sitting in her living room when I visit the web site. Open, honest, kind, funny and passionate about finding a cure. All that and more is obvious. "Show Me The Money" lets me see where the money has come from and where it's going. "$1000 Promise" allows me the chance to read the heartwarming stories from donors and volunteers who have made a commitment to raise at least $1000 through their donations of Priority Quilts. "Look At All The Quilts" might be my personal favorite and I get to look at all the quilts that folks have made and sent in to Ami for sale. I have one more Priority Quilt finished, and another 2 or 3 in my head. I'll send them along once those in my head have made it into fabric ;) and then I'll start the process all over again. This is a great charity and one you should consider becoming involved in. We need to find a cure for this disease!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
How exciting! My first 2 Priority Quilts went to Houston for sale at the International Quilt Festival.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
June 19, 2010
I cannot praise Ami Simms and her Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative enough. Over 5 million people in the US alone have Alzheimer's Disease. That's a mind-boggling 1 in 8 people 65 years old and up. We're all touched by Alzheimer's Disease in some way. In my case, my family has a genetic glitch which makes it particularly close to me and absolutely terrifying! We *must* find a cure!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
AAQI educates and inspires as well as raising big $ for Alzheimer;s research! I personally have felt empowered to be able to participate (I'm an avid quilter)!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the quilting! The mini-quilts are 9x12", which allows me to experiment with different techniques.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
I haven't met anyone here *face to face* because I don't live in the US. My *quilting mentor* here was lucky enough to take a class with Ami Simms in the US. I know I was very moved by her personal e-mail to me when I joined AAQI.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
find a cure or preventive!
Ways to make it better...
absolutely fantastic as it is!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
publicity, publicity and more publicity!
One thing I'd also say is that...
We *must* find a cure for this terrible disease!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 3, 2010
I'd received Ami Simms' newsletter, and when she first asked for quilts I didn't think I could do anything, because I didn't have personal experience with having a relative with Alzheimer's disease. In March of 2007, I thought of an idea for a quilt I called "Thongs for the Memories". I sent it in and received such a lovely note to thank me. They liked my quilt! I was hooked, and 27 Priority quilts later, I am still hooked on supporting this amazing cause. I've since learned that no one escapes being affected somehow by this disease. Ami educates us, inspires us, motivates us, and moves us. AAQI is changing the future of Alzheimer's disease one quilt at a time.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
making and purchasing Priority Quilts. Realizing that I can help make a difference for the future.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
everyone is so lovely! I've received so many wonderful notes about the quilts I've donated. I like that I can do something I love to help such a worthy cause.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
OMG! Eveyone I've dealt with has been just wonderful!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
find a cure!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
June 1, 2010
I have been involved with AAQI since 2006. My mom died with Alzheimer's mid-2005 after a multi-year descent. It broke my heart when she no longer knew my name ... During her illness and years of decline, my sister and I felt so powerless. We did everything we could to keep Mom safe and comfortable, but the relentless progression of the disease stole her away. Now, I stitch in her honor and memory to help AAQI raise desperately needed research funds. No one makes an Alzheimer's journey alone - as Mother Theresa put it: “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” This is SO true of AAQI - together, one quilt at a time, we ARE making a difference. I am grateful and honored to be a part of AAQI.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
AAQI was and continues to be a big part of my personal grief therapy. Making Priority Quilts offers motivation to use my creativity and skills to benefit others.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that there are so many others who are traveling this road with their loved ones ~ there's a terrific sense of connectedness and community in AAQI.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
AMAZING!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 27, 2010
I first heard about the AAQI when my sister encouraged me to submit a quilt for Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece. Our Dad had just been diagnosed with dementia and we both were interested in doing anything we could to support fundraising for research. To my surprise, my quilt was accepted into the show! I made a few Priority Quilts and was hooked on the 9x12 size because I could try something new and not make too big a commitment to it. It was fun, and my pieces were raising more money than I could ever hope to donate out-of-pocket. One day I was reading one of Ami's blog posts where she was asking for volunteers to help with editing and sizing pictures of quilts for the website. I volunteered and it snowballed from there - I saw many more things I could do to help the (at that time) fledgling organization and I jumped in with both hands and feet. The reason? I love the fact that this is a grassroots, all volunteer organization and there was no overhead or salaries taking a percentage of the money I raised. At a point where Dad's disease allowed me little I could do to help, I found solace in helping the AAQI raise money for research to cure a disease that leaves people helpless. I am a firm believer in the mission of the AAQI and will continue to help in any way I can.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've watched the AAQI grow and become a force in the fundraising efforts for dementia research and I'm happy to have a part in making that happen!
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting people with similar goals from all over the country.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Fabulous, generous, wonderful people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Fund more research to find a cure for Alzheimer's.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 21, 2010
The Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative has held very high standards since its beginning. I have been involved with this movement in several ways and all has been handled professionally and without stress. My first experience began with the development of the first exhibit and all the way from submitting to the jury, to the actual showing, we were assisted in what to do and how to do it with clear direction. I have ordered CDs and printed materials all which arrived as expected and the finances were clearly documented with payment receipts. Friends have bought quilts and ordered things and they too commend the work of the organization. There is hardly anything spent on overhead and volunteers seem willing and happy. There is always a way to be involved in this organization, that has the wonderful goals of educating the public and supporting research. Research projects supported are carefully reviewed and selected with care. I have full confidence that any donations I make actually reach the intended target, One of my most recent surprises was when I made a donation in honor of a person and the great care that was taken with the notification that was sent out by this organization. The note was personalized, caring and appropriate for the occasion. There was no form letter that is mass produced and signed.It was all personal and from the heart Everyone that is involved in the organization is given current information on the status of the organization, special responses and projected projects. I don't know of any charity that keeps their members so well informed. There are no fancy slick paper pamphlets that encourage participation. People participate because they want to and there is genuine interest in what the organizations is doing. I would highly recommend participation in this organization. The energy of this group is endless and certainly an inspiration to all present and future organizations. Sonia Callahan
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
California but the number of people and places that it has reached is unblievable. I think this organization has been in and reached every state but Alaska, and maybe it has but I just don't know about it. It certainly extends over the border into Canada
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not. It is great as it is.Perhaps maybe stream line the process for quilt donations as it is the only thing that possibly slows me down
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Knowing that the public is becoming eduatd
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
wonderful
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
support more research
Ways to make it better...
Couldn't be better
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Developing more people to buy quilts that support research
One thing I'd also say is that...
This organization rocks.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 19, 2010
Alzheimer’s scares me. The thought of losing my memories, of losing all that I am, scares me. The knowledge that the shell of me that remains would be a burden falling on those I love most - that scares me most of all. I am not a medical researcher or a physician - I’m a quilter. I made a quilt for the first Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative show because it was the best way for me to support this effort to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Alzheimer’s. I am sincerely happy to be a small part in this organization. The vast majority of the money raised goes directly to support research. The administrative costs are kept very low because so much of the work is done by dedicated volunteers. It is important that we each do what we can in this fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the feeling I get from doing something that may help to find a cure.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 18, 2010
The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative was began by Ami Simms in 2006 to promote research about Alzheimer's Disease which her mother suffered. She asked her quilting friends to make little quilts not larger than 9 x 12 inches that could be shipped in Priority Mail folders, which she would auction off to others for a donation that would go to research. I was attracted to this charity because I not only enjoy making minature quilts, but also like the economial way Ami has developed the project. It is an internet endeavor, (www.AlzQuilts.org); there are no expensive mailings or advertising to soak up money that could be used for research. It is run and maintained by volunteers who provide for their own expenses. Only the most minimal, necessary, and professional expenses are paid from donations. The web site has a "Show Me the Money page prominately displayed. Over time the organization has become an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit operated entirely by volunteers, so the donations are tax deductible. Being well known in the quilting community and with a wide following, Ami has been able to encourage many people to participate in the auctions that are held the first 10 days of every month Priority: Alzheimer's quilts may be purchased at shows and other venues as well as on the web site itself. Donor's pick the quilts they would like to have at a price they want to pay. Of course,cash donations are also accepted. These little quilts are only one facet of the organization. There are traveling quilt exhibits: Alzheimer's Forgetting Piece by Piece which has been touring the country since 2006 and will be retired in October of 2010 and will be replaced in January 2011 by a new exhibit, Alzheimer's Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope. This new exhibit has the names of 10,000 people who have or had Alzheimer's written on purple patches made into 180 quilts, 6 inches wide by 7 feet tall. Displayed with them are Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts that illustrate Alzheimer's in some way. All quilters, beginners, amateurs and well known fabric artists participate in this fight against Alzheimer's. I encourage everyone to go to www.AlzQuilts.org to see all the quilts and the interest and dedication of this group of concerned and generous individuals.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the last four years and I have watched the organization grow from a few people to many supporters and feel that Ami will ensure that is continues to grow and maintain it's intergity.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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