AIDS Memorial Quilt project Inspires Project on Local Level
When the AIDS Memorial Quilt headquarters moved from San Francisco, CA to Atlanta, GA, Rick McCormack and Michael Ardagno decided to move also. After working for the AIDS Memorial Quilt roject for ten years, the two decided to move back to McCormack's original hometown of Springfield, MO. McCormack and Andagno wanted to continue with the idea of a quilt project but wished to extend the service to more than just an organization fro those living with or who have died from AIDS.
In August of 2002, McCormack and Ardagno started the Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks. This organization started by constructing Memorial panels for those lost to various illnesses and life's afflictions and also making comfort bed and lap quilts to keep people warm who are suffering from long term and chronic illnesses. However, in the few years that the project has been in operation, it has grown to include making and collecting knitted or crocheted baby booties and baby items for orphaned AIDS babies in Africa and El Salvador. The organization also has added a Food Outreach program for the homeless to its list of services. Those interested in a comfort bed or lap quilt or a Memorial panel can contact the organization as the Rev. Brothers will assist in making a quilt or panel.
In January 2005, Rick and Michael became Reverend Brothers of The 3rd Order of Disciples of St Martin de Porres affirmed by the Syro-Chaldean Catholic Church thus taking on many more services including, the continued work of the Healing Quilt Project and Food Outreach. In addition to Motivational Speaking on various subjects, consultation and referal and other services we are building bridges between community organizations and churches in the area to better serve this community with vows of Hospitality, Compassion, and Service.
Our Order of Brothers and Sisters of St Martin are dedicated to all being welcome to the table the same, regardless of your religious preference.This order is an Interfaith Orders,even though Brother Michael+ and Brother Joseph+ are members of the First United Methodist Church. In the Order of St. Martin de Porres, We Stand on Middle Ground with Love and Compassion for all, without judgement.
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING - Rev. Bro Joseph+ is a certified HIV/AIDS instructor and does motivational speaking engagements and presentations for accommodations and offerings only (no charged fees). For more information:
e-mail at ozarkshealingquiltproject@yahoo.com
or call 417-848-8867 or 417-576-4603
FOOD OUTREACH - Distributing sack lunches for the homeless, and Hot meals to organizations like Rare Breed "homeless teens", with attention to people with special food needs. We are also looking for other organizations and Churches that might be interested in taking on a day or more, or donated times, food and supplies to help with any of the above services.
DONATIONS - Most of the supplies for Quilts and Memorial Panels are donated by individuals and other non-profit organizations and churches. We are always in need of various donations such as Material-although we would not use tiny scrap pieces we would take just about everything else. All sewing and quilting supplies, new or working sewing machines, straight pins/needles, thread/yarn and other donations might be gift cards from Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart and Sears. As always cash donations badly needed for operational cost!
