Update - November 1, 2000: The quilt has been completed and will be auctioned at eBay in coming weeks. More details to follow...(Click the thumbnail photo to see the full-size photo of the completed quilt.)
Bob Boneberg and Karen Aschenbrenner of Maplewood, New Jersey, parents of Alex, are in the middle of an incredibly ambitious project. They wanted to create an opportunity to spread awareness of CdLS in a unique way. They dreamed that people of influence could be educated about CdLS and the challenges faced by CdLS families. They wanted to raise money for the CdLS Foundation, and create a lasting "snapshot" of our world today. They took this vision of theirs, and set to work on a project that would have been daunting to many another person.
What Bob and Karen saw in their minds eye was a colorful quilt, a "tapestry of stars", each square signed by a star of worldwide fame. They sent a letter to renowned individuals all over the world, telling them about their experiences with CdLS, and about the CdLS Foundation families, and asked them to autograph a quilt square. The stars responded in a fantastic outpouring of caring and support. So far, they have received over 300 returns!
Autographs include sport stars, such as Larry Bird, John Elway, Steve Yzerman, and Arnold Palmer. Squares for this one-of-a-kind quilt have also been signed by twentieth century "historical figures" such as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Senator and former astronaut John Glenn, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Stars from the world of entertainment such as Bill Cosby, Robert DeNiro, Harrison Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, Dustin Hoffman and Rosie O'Donnell have also autographed quilt squares.
Once the quilt is pieced together, the Boneberg family will be taking it around the country with them, displaying it in Buffalo, Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles throughout the month of August. The quilt will then be brought back to New York City to be auctioned with all proceeds to benefit the CdLS Foundation.
This quilt would provide an amazing visual centerpiece for an office building, hospital, or library. If you or anyone you know would be interested in being a part of the auction, please contact us at giving@cdlsusa.org.
Congratulations to Bob, Karen and Alex for their incredible success so far!
Update - November 1, 2000: The quilt has been completed and will be auctioned at eBay in coming weeks. More details to follow...
(Click the thumbnail photo to see the full-size photo of the completed quilt.)