Inaugural Quilt Cruise for a Cause

After several months of consideration and discussions, it is finally my blessing to announce the first annual QUILT CRUISE FOR A CAUSE. The cruise will set sail on August 24, 2009 setting a course from London around British Isles. Our ship will be Princess Cruises' Crown Princess. This area and date were selected in order to provide a once-in-a-lifetime quilt travel event as participants may choose to also attend Europe's premiere quilt show, The Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. All American Craft, publisher's of The Quilter and Fabric Trends Magazines have offered to sponsor this cruise as part of their 25th anniversary celebration of The Quilter.

The idea for a fundraising cruise of this nature first occurred to me early in the year as financial times began to impact non-profit organizations held dear in the quilt world. Initially my thought was that information and press releases about such a cruise or tour would provide a an additional source of information about the various institutions themselves and monies realized might help achieve a balanced fiscal budget.

Recently however, I have been considering the state of the world and the catastrophic events over the last eight years - since the Presidential Election of 2000. Beyond Wall Street, there is little wonder that the world is on the brink of economic chaos. In the US alone we have had 9/11, an eight year drought in the mid-west, hurricane and tornado damage beyond compare and multiple California wild-fires to mention just a few; world-wide the list is so long that it shudders me to consider it.

I am well aware of our severe economic situation, but I know that people who can will still travel and take vacations. Believe it or not, international vacation travel was up by record amounts in the first half of 2008 when the dollar was at its worst level against world economies. What better way to go than to go somewhere knowing that proceeds from your choice will go to organizations that benefit the arts and to help those in need.

For this reason, my goal through these cruises will be to support Quilt History, Art and Scholarship as well as US/World Disaster Relief through the American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.

Information is coming on this special quilt cruise event, please refer to the website at http://quiltcruiseforcause.com/ (available after October 1) or my web site at http://worldofquiltstravel.com.

I would love your comments!!