URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Cunningham Children’s Home will welcome visitors to its 22nd Annual Festival of Quilts on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, offering a vibrant showcase of craftsmanship, community spirit and charitable giving.
The event will take place at the Spiritual Life Center on Cunningham’s campus, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Guests can browse and purchase more than 300 quilts, along with home décor, baked goods and handcrafted gifts. Quilts will also be available for purchase online, expanding access to supporters beyond the local area.
With prices ranging from $1 to $500, organizers say the festival is designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors. In addition to items for sale, attendees can view “show” quilts on loan, highlighting intricate designs and quilting traditions.
Students play a central role in this year’s festival. Residential students have cultivated herb starts in the greenhouse, while students from CIRCLE Academy Vermilion have created tie blankets for sale. Intro to Agriculture students have also grown vegetable plant starts that will be available for purchase. These projects provide hands-on learning opportunities while helping students contribute to the organization’s mission.
The event will also feature items from the Centerpieces & Such rooms, a bake sale and a gift shop. Ms. Bonnie’s Cup of Hope, the on-campus student-run coffee shop, will be open during select hours.
“The generosity and creativity behind this year’s donations have been so inspiring,” said Colleen Combes, Cunningham’s events and volunteer specialist. “We’ve got everything from timeless vintage quilts to bold, beautifully designed new pieces—each with its own story.”
Organizers hope to raise more than $80,000 through the festival. Admission is a suggested $10 donation for adults, while children 12 and under may attend free with an adult ticket. Proceeds support the 953 youth and families served annually by Cunningham through residential treatment, special education and community-based programs.
The Festival of Quilts is Cunningham’s signature fundraiser and reflects a long-standing tradition of care and craftsmanship. Quilters from across Illinois, including members of United Women in Faith, have contributed handmade quilts to the organization since 1895.
This year’s festival is also part of the Boneyard Arts Festival and coincides with Mom’s Weekend at the University of Illinois, drawing additional visitors to the community.
More information about the event, including online quilt purchasing, is available at cunningham.org.
