Since 1987, the NIRSA Foundation has been raising funds to support its mission while providing NIRSA Annual Conference attendees with fun activities. First among these events is the annual quilt raffle/auction (depending on local laws of the host state's rules and regulations).

The quilt raffle is the capstone event for the Foundation's annual t-shirt competition. The Foundation Quilt is composed of the award winning t-shirts from the previous conference's competition (first and second place t-shirts). The master quilter, who crafts a custom made border and creates the artistic finish, ensures this keepsake is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. A list of the 2011 winning shirts can be found here.

The raffle giveaway affords all NIRSA members, including students, the opportunity to participate in this event and gives everybody a chance to win the quilt. All proceeds generated from this event will be used to advance the mission of the NIRSA Foundation.

The idea for a quilt was originated with Sue Ivie Boling (2009 NIRSA Honor Award Winner), who thought it would be a fun twist to the t-shirt competition; it has been a conference staple ever since. At that time money generated from the t-shirt and quilt auctions was donated to the Special Olympics.

Sue made the first four quilts and the tradition has continued ever since:

• Sue Ivie Boling, Virginia Commonwealth University (retired) - First four quilts, 1987-1990
• Paula Opal, Texas A&M University - 1991-2004
• Jacque Hamilton, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi - 2005, 2007, and 2011
• Roy Easley, Cal Poly Pomona (retired) - 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010

In 1996 Paula Opal was awarded a National Service Award for exceptional service to the Association by spending a significant amount of personal time designing, constructing and donating quilts for NIRSA's benefit.

Quilts have been purchased by individuals, friendship circles, universities, and even by consulting firms.

For more information about this event, please contact NIRSA Foundation Coordinator, Brittany Rejda or stop by the NIRSA Foundation booth during conference.