My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

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