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Quilting for a Cause - Jo-Ann Stores Raises Money for Save the Children Through Quilting and Sewing

Quilting for a Cause - Jo-Ann Stores Raises Money for Save the Children Through Quilting and Sewing

Published 10-05-04

Submitted by Jo-Ann Stores

HUDSON, OH - Beginning in October, Jo-Ann Stores, the nation's leading craft and fabric retailer, is teaming up with Save the Children, a leading independent humanitarian organization, to raise money and awareness to help Save the Children address child poverty in some of the poorest areas of the United States.

The first year of the partnership will be on quilting and sewing. Jo-Ann has licensed quilting, fleece and holiday fabrics adapted from the Save the Children art contest, which is held twice a year. All three fabric lines, twenty eight fabrics total, feature colorful and whimsical artwork by children across the country.

Jo-Ann Stores has agreed to donate 30 cents on every yard sold and has guaranteed to donate a minimum of $300,000 to Save the Children over the three-year partnership.

"Quilting and sewing are leading the nation in leisure activities and gaining popularity with the younger generation, as well as with the traditional craft enthusiasts," said Alan Rosskamm, president and chief executive officer of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. "With this in mind, we hope to raise additional dollars for Save the Children."

Save the Children Quilt Challenge
To kick off the program, Jo-Ann Stores and Save the Children will sponsor a nationwide quilt challenge open to all levels of quilters. Enthusiasts are challenged to create a quilt using the theme "Look into the Eyes of a Child." Quilters also must use the Save the Children quilting fabrics and an exclusive medallion specifically created for this event that embodies the theme. The fabric and medallion can be purchased as a special bundle pack at Jo-Ann Stores for $12.99. Additional fabrics may be used as well, as long as they are purchased at Jo-Ann Stores and proof of purchase is shown when the entry is submitted.

Entries must only be received between June 1, 2005 and June 30, 2005. Judging will take place in August 2005. The quilts will be evaluated on: the creative interpretation of the theme "Look Into the Eyes of a Child," the use of the fabrics and medallion, and overall workmanship and adherence to guidelines. All decisions of the judges are final. The first, second and third place winners of the Quilt Challenge will be notified by first class mail on or before September 1, 2005. Winners will receive Jo-Ann gift cards and be featured in Jo-Ann Magazine and on www.joann.com.

The challenge comes at a time when quilting continues to gain popularity. Jo-Ann research shows that there are currently 20 million quilters in the United States. Five percent of these enthusiasts spend over $500 annually on quilting, and three-fourths of them have a room dedicated to sewing and quilting in their homes.

This partnership comes at a critical moment for raising funds and public awareness for child poverty in the US. Currently, one in six children lives in poverty in the United States. Save the Children works in some of the poorest and most isolated rural communities where there is a distinct lack of resources and opportunity. Its work helps children enhance their literacy skills, as reading at grade level is key to performing well in school and to future success. In addition, it addresses the issue of physical activity and nutrition for the children it serves.

About Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
The nation's largest fabric and craft retailer with locations in 47 states, 762 traditional stores and 101 superstores, Jo-Ann Stores was founded as a single retail store in 1943. Jo-Ann Stores offers a wide assortment of merchandise and expertise to people who enjoy expressing themselves through sewing, crafting and home decorating. The company offers customers the choice, quality, style and support needed to pursue the passion of creating beautiful things. For additional information visit www.joann.com

About Save The Children
Save the Children ( www.savethechildren.org ) is a leading global nonprofit relief and development organization working in over 40 countries worldwide, including the United States. Its mission is to make lasting, positive change in the lives of children in need.

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