09/01/2026
The Gathering 2026 Elaine Gehrz Original Finale Quilt. "This year’s quilt is sure to stand as the crowning masterpiece of the series,” said Joe Blankenship. Please read to the end the press release written by Michael Ruhs and then have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the chance to win.
Last Chance Ever: Final Fundraising Quilt Raffle Marks End of Five-Year Tradition
“Christmas Storm at Sea” to be raffled at October 17 gala; proceeds support City of Refuge Pulaski programs
PULASKI, VA – August 26, 2026 — After raising over $8,000 for City of Refuge Pulaski through four annual meticulously crafted quilt raffles, quilter Elaine Gehrz is retiring the tradition with her most ambitious piece yet. Her final creation, “Christmas Storm at Sea,” is a one-of-a-kind, 92-inch quilt valued at more than $2,500 that will be raffled at the organization’s October 17 gala.
This is the final opportunity to own one of Gehrz’s heirloom-quality, handcrafted fundraising quilts—a tradition that has become a gala highlight and consistently drives ticket sales once attendees see the quilt’s beauty up close.
Over the past four years, Gehrz’s annual quilt raffle has raised funds for critical City of Refuge programs, including the Food Bank, Self-Care initiatives, the After School Program, and ongoing renovations toward the soon-to-open Community Outreach Facility. All proceeds from this final raffle will directly support these efforts.
Raffle tickets go on sale September 1 and are available for $5 each or five for $20 at City of Refuge offices, 249 Dora Hwy., Pulaski, from board members, and the City of Refuge website (https://www.cityofrefugepc.org/store/p/the-gathering-2026-zk6fc).
A QR code linking directly to the ticket sales page is available upon request and suitable for social media, flyers, and community bulletin boards.
The quilt will be displayed publicly during City of Refuge’s annual gala on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pulaski Church of God on Bob White Blvd., Pulaski (cityofrefugepc.org/events-/the-gathering-2026-gala). In past years, in-person viewings have sparked a surge in quilt raffle ticket sales as attendees realize there will never be another. The winner need not be present to win.
“Over the past four years, Elaine’s extraordinary, flawless quilts have impacted lives one stitch at a time. This year’s quilt is sure to stand as the crowning masterpiece of the series,” said Joe Blankenship, co-founder of City of Refuge Pulaski.
This final quilt features the traditional "Storm at Sea" pattern, reimagined in Christmas colors with shimmering golds, greens, and reds. Over 2800 precisely aligned pieces create the optical illusion of waves flowing diagonally across the quilt.
“Each year, I’ve challenged myself to make a more difficult, more beautiful pattern,” Gehrz said. “This one is the most technically difficult yet; every point must match up exactly. It took me several months, and I’m pleased with the results."
Though each quilt is created with a love for the art of quilting, Gehrz said she decided this year’s quilt would conclude the tradition after five years because of the significant time each quilt requires. “I’m ready to devote my time to other pressing ambitions, from family quilts to new creative pursuits,” she said.
For Gehrz, the quilt marks the close of a five-year commitment to City of Refuge Pulaski. For one raffle winner, it could become a treasured family heirloom—and the keystone of a beloved local tradition—while helping provide hope to families across Pulaski County.
Photo caption:
“Christmas Storm at Sea,” a 92-inch-square, handcrafted fundraising quilt by Elaine Gehrz, to be raffled at City of Refuge Pulaski’s October 17 gala.
About City of Refuge Pulaski:
City of Refuge Pulaski is a nonprofit organization serving individuals and families throughout Pulaski County through food assistance, youth development, job training, and housing support. Learn more at www.cityofrefugepulaski.org
Media Contact:
Michael Ruhs
Volunteer Media Coordinator, City of Refuge Pulaski Quilt Raffle
[email protected] | 612-708-9294
1 RAFFLE TICKET FOR THE GATHERING 2026 HANDMADE QUILT OR GET 5 TICKETS FOR $20 Celebrate with us on October 17th at our Gathering 2026.
