Operation Homefront « The Backroads to Road to California

Posts Tagged ‘Operation Homefront’

Road 2014 Special Exhibit: Quilted in Honor

Saturday, May 24th, 2014

What better way to recognize a patriotic weekend than by sharing a patriotic quilt exhibit.

Led by Island Batik, Quilted in Honor is a fund raising initiative for Operation Homefront, one of the top military fund raising organizations. The intent of Quilted in Honor is to harness the collective power of the quilting industry to give back to the ones that need it the most. The organizations involved could have chosen to donate something on their own but instead decided to work together to support this outstanding organization.

The exhibit was a collection from top industry celebrities and quilters. They had to incorporate the special fabrics created by Island Batik for this initiative in their quilts. The results were truly patriotic!!! After the show, the quilts were donated to support military families and returning veterans whose lives were forever changed because of their service to our country.

In addition to displaying this exhibit and sharing with guests the mission of Operation Homefront, Road to California supported Quilted in Honor through their annual tote bag distribution. A portion of the amount charged for this year’s commemorative tote bags, featuring quilts from the exhibit, was donated to Operation Homefront.

Road to California is honored to join with others in the quilting industry and be a part of this great cause.

Did you get a commemorative tote bag? What are you using it for now?

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Tags: Island Batik, Operation Homefront, Quilted in Honor
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | 2 Comments »

Meet Ron Baker: Road 2014's Veteran of Honor

Wednesday, May 21st, 2014

Island Batik, and Operation Homefront came together to honor a military veteran at Road 2014. The veteran chosen was Ron Baker, a former combat photographer. Mr. Baker spent 12 years in the military (from 1964 until 1976), serving in Germany, Vietnam, Japan, and California. Today, Mr. Baker works as an advocate for other veterans. The result of taking pictures of the realities of war left Ron with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. In order to avoid being depressed or anxious from this ailment, Ron has turned to working with Operation Homefront, helping other veterans move on from their war experiences. Because he too has “been there, done that,” he understands the veteran’s mentality and has the patience to help other vets. Says Ron, “I heal by helping others.” What are some of the ways that Ron helps other veterans? He shares opportunities with veterans that help get them back on their feet. Ron has come across two great organizations that support veterans: Chase Bank and Operation Homefront. Chase Bank assists veterans in opening bank accounts, offering their Premier Banking and safe deposit boxes at no charge. Chase will even give $150 to $300 to a veteran to start their account. Mr. Baker has found that no other bank offers veterans what Chase offers them. Regarding Operation Homefront, “no other non-profit gives so much to assist veterans. If they can’t help with a situation, they will direct the veteran to someone who can.” He raises money for veterans. Ron finds ways to donate to veteran causes. He started a recycling program where he collects recyclable items and has veterans separate and take to recycling centers to raise money. In 2013, a company donated a hot tub and proceeds from the sale of the spa were given to veterans. He also contacted The Price is Right television game show and requested that the show include veterans as contestants on Veterans Day. The first person up on stage was a veteran and he ended up winning a car which was later sold and the proceeds went to veteran causes. He is looking forward to raising even more money in 2014. He supports programs for veterans. Coffee for Vets is a program that shares information on what is available for veterans. Aid and Attendance advises veterans how to access programs. What did it mean to Ron to be honored at Road to California? Years ago, he had a dream where he dreamt that he was being honored and appreciated for his service. The presentation at Road was a fulfillment of that dream. “For 40 years, no one has ever said thank you for my service. I have always lived with shame and guilt. I didn’t want anyone to know what I did. The recognition at Road to California (resulted) in a lot of healing inside me. I wish this could happen for all vets.” ]]>

Tags: Island Batik, Operation Homefront, PTSD, Veteran Presentation, Veterans, Vietnam Vet
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

Honoring the Armed Forces

Saturday, May 17th, 2014

Everyone loves a parade.

So why not have a parade not only kick off Road 2014, but also provide the backdrop for a Veterans Presentation? Ten drummers from the Colony High School Titan Regiment led the way for Carolyn and Matt Reese and invited dignitaries that included Ontario, California Mayor, Paul Leon; San Bernardino County Supervisor, Gary Ovitt; and his wife, Sue Ovitt, a Chaffey High School District Board Trustee; as well as representatives from Operation Home Front and Island Batik.

The parade began in the hallway of the Ballroom Pre-function area and turned south into the main Exhibit Hall, ending up right smack dab in the center of the huge hall. Attendees were treated to a drum roll exhibition before the Veterans Presentation started.

Matt Reese handled the Master of Ceremony duties. He introduced the singer for the National Anthem, quilter and musician, Jerry Granata, who offered a rousing acapella rendition of the famed song.

Comments in support of Road to California and the veteran event were offered by Mr. Leon, Mr. Ovitt, and Mr. Kyler Olejnik of Operation Homefront. Carolyn Reese presented a beautiful patriotic quilt, made from Island Batik fabrics, to recipient Ron Baker, a Vietnam Veteran and volunteer for Operation Homefront.

When the program was completed, the drummers led the party out of the Convention Center. It was a huge honor for the Colony High School Regiment to be included in the ceremony. Said Tatiana, Co-Drum Captain, “We don’t usually perform for this type of audience. Usually we only perform for teenagers. They (the quilters) were really cool; cheering and dancing.” Eli, the other Co-Drum Captain, remarked, “It was great to be here, out in the community and get our name out.” Ninth grader Sergio said, “It was great to make everyone smile.” The Regiment especially enjoyed meeting the mayor. And because they got all caught up in the “quilt fever” of the show, they offered to make the mayor a quilt out of all their band show tee-shirts!!! What a festive way to start off this year’s 19th Annual Conference and Showcase!!! What did you think about all the festivities?]]>

Tags: CA, Colony High School, Island Batik, Ontario, Operation Homefront, Veteran Presentation, Veterans
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | No Comments »

Starting Road With A Salute To Veterans

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Patriotism is important at Road.

To highlight our involvement with Operation Homefront and Quilted in Honor, this year’s show is starting off with a salute to veterans.

Please join us on the showroom floor on Thursday, January 23rd, at 11:40 a.m., for a special presentation.

Colony High School in Ontario, California will start the program with their marching drum corps.

Renown quilter (and entertainer) Jerry Granata will be singing the National Anthem.

The Mayor of Ontario, Mayor Paul Leon, will offer some remarks

Followed by representatives from Operation Homefront and

Island Batik, the leader for the fundraising initiative, Quilted in Honor, of which Road to California is a sponsor.

Following their remarks, Carolyn Reese will be presenting a specially made quilt to Vietnam Veteran, Ron Baker.

A special way to begin Road to California 2014.

And don’t forget to visit the Special Exhibit, Quilted in Honor, located in the Exhibit Hall. Being featured is a collection from top industry celebrities and quilters donated to support military families and returning veterans. At the exhibit, guests can purchase limited edition Road to California Commemorative Tote Bags, designed with quilts from the exhibit. The bags cost only $8.95. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Operation Homefront.

See you at the show when we pay tribute to our wonderful veterans.

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Tags: Colony High School, Ontario CA, Operation Homefront, Paul Leon, Quilted in Honor, Veterans, Vietnam Vet
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | 2 Comments »

Proud To Be A Partner With Quilted in Honor

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013

Do you have a military connection? Maybe you have had a loved one serve or know of someone who is currently serving. Maybe you have personally served. Or maybe you just have respect and honor for those who have or are dedicating their lives to our country.

Whatever your connection, there is a story to tell and that is what the program Quilted in Honor is all about. Led by Island Batik and supported by the quilting industry, including Road to California, Quilted in Honor was designed to inspire quilters, sewing enthusiasts, guilds, and shops to rally around our troops and give back in an innovative and unique way, creating projects that tell the human side of what “serving our country” really means to soldiers and their families back home.

It is hoped that through the collective efforts within the quilting industry, attention and donations will be given to Operation Homefront– a leading national charity providing emergency financial and other support to service members and Wounded Warriors. Operation Homefront is rated among the top charities nationally, with over 99% of its resources going towards assisting the lowest ranking and lowest paid service members. Much like the military itself, Operation Homefront has a “no man left behind” attitude as it works with veterans and their families across the United States. Besides financial assistance, Operation Homefront also gives aid to challenges with everyday life such as auto repairs and donations, home repair and items, moving and relocation, food assistance and health care services. In addition, Operation Homefront provides support to families learning how to cope with and adjust to family members who have been wounded or injured in service, transitioning to civilian life, and community involvement. Many of their staff, including the CEO, are former military themselves and therefore know firsthand how best to reach out and assist soldiers and their families.

The flagship of the Quilted in Honor program is Island Batik’s Quilted in Honor fabric line. Made up of 45 vibrant fabrics designed by top designer Kathy Engle, they are sure to be a popular foundation for all kinds of sewing and quilting projects. Additional companies including Aurifil, Pellon, and C&T Publishing, have created additional product lines or are providing marketing opportunities and promotional support for the project.

Road to California got involved with Quilted in Honor because of its far reaching effects. As Carolyn explains, “Operation Homefront helps military families in so many ways, not just through quilt donations but with so much more. I hope our Road family will join in and support this cause.” Look for future announcements on the different ways Road to California will be promoting Quilted in Honor at the quilt show in January.

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Tags: Aurifil, C&T Publishing, Island Batik, Operation Homefront, Pellon, Quilted in Honor
Posted in Road 2 CA Blog, Road 2014, Road to California | 4 Comments »