Raffle Quilt for the Wisconsin Burn Camp

The handsome gentleman with me is my boss, Deputy Chief Michael Payne.

Every summer for one week children from Wisconsin who have suffered from burns are able to attend what we (members of the Milwaukee Fire Department) call Burn Camp. This wonderful camp is sponsored by fire departments throughout Wisconsin. Many MFD members dedicate several days of their own time each year volunteering at the camp. It is a wonderful week for these children and their families.

At the Wisconsin Fire Chief Association convention, held every June, a quilt is raffled off with the proceeds given to the Burn Camp. This year the Ladies Friendship group from Ye Olde Schoolhouse quickly agreed to my suggestion that we piece the quilt to be raffled this year. Each double star block was made by a different lady - some making more than one! The colors are burgundy, black and off white/tan. I think these ladies did a fabulous job. After the blocks were done, my friend, Terri and I arranged them and I added the lattice and corner stones. The quilt came together beautifully. Today I purchased the batting and backing and hopefully by next week it will be at the quilters. I will bind it with the same material as the lattice.

I'm retiring in August. This morning in our conference room at the Fire Academy, we were having coffee and the guys were discussing the sports of the world (typical morning conversation), one of the guys asked me what great legacy I would leave the Milwaukee Fire Department - what stories about me would be told over and over. After 32+ years with the City of Milwaukee I am sure there are tons of "Julie Ann" stories! LOL. However, I hope this quilt will be my legacy. I am very proud of it and especially of the ladies who so quickly volunteered to go through their stash of material and make a block.

Besides, I'm telling all of the MFD chiefs who attend the conference this June: they better purchase lots of raffle tickets and if they win, give the quilt to me as a retirement present!! (Just kidding - kind of).