Quilts shown for cancer

Three Umina members of the Precious Patches quilting group will take part in a patchwork quilt and craft show to raise money for cancer at the end of the month.

Local quilt-making enthusiasts Nikki O'Connor, Julie Garnsey and Di Hannan will join other group members at the show to sell their own handmade quilts for Cancer Council NSWs Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.

The women from Precious Patches will also be joined by members of Copacabana Surf Club and other local artists to showcase their work.

Precious Patches member Ms Rae Easton said the morning tea and craft show was a great opportunity for the local community to buy handmade arts and crafts while enjoying morning tea.

"We have joined forces with the ladies from Copacabana Surf Club to put on a combined Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and Patchwork, Quilt and Craft Show to raise money for Cancer Council research," Ms Easton said.

"The stall holders are local artists who have agreed to join us to add more interest to the show.

"Other local quilters have lent their quilts to help fill out the show."

The fundraiser will feature a number of stalls selling jewellery, woodwork, pottery and the Patchwork Cottage Table, lucky door prizes plus a quilt and jewellery raffle.

Ms Easton said the group hoped to raise up to $2000 for Cancer Council NSW.

She said the surf club women had been holding its Australia's Biggest Morning Tea in private homes for the past few years and last year raised $600.

"Our quilting group had a quilt show in 2004 and we raised $2500 for the local Gosford Cancer Support Group for breast cancer.

"In the intervening years while we waited for the Copacabana surf club to be rebuilt, we have supported breast cancer by making cushions and head scarfs for ladies going through the treatment of breast cancer.

"We also did a lot of sewing for Camp Breakaway, for its fetes and the making of quilts for the beds at the camp."

According to Ms Easton, Cancer Council NSW was an important organisation to support because so many people are affected or touched by cancer.

She said all entry fees, raffles and donations would be donated to Cancer Council NSW.

"We have found quilters and craft people travel quite a distance to look at other peoples work and most are happy to donate generously to the Council Council to do so," Ms Easton said.

"Added to the fun of having a cup of tea or coffee with homemade cakes or scones, this will be a great day out to come and enjoy."

The Big All Day Morning Tea and Patchwork, Quilt and Craft Show will be held at Copacabana Surf Club on Saturday, May 30, from 8am to 4pm.

Entry to the show costs $5 per person with a gold coin donation for refreshments.

Press release, 11 May 2009 Rae Easton, Precious Patches