By Frederika Zystra
This beautiful quilt, valued at US$1,000, was handmade by San Miguel de Allende Quilters – a group of 13 women originating from a variety of places who hope to inspire and empower young women on the threshold of adulthood. Together, they have created dozens of beautiful quilts for deserving charities over the years. This fine piece was professionally quilted by Maribel Trejo and would be exquisite as either a bed quilt or wall-hanging. What a beautiful holiday gift it would make for someone special!
The quilt, entitled “Viva San Miguel!” will be on display at Geek & Coffee for at least 10 days prior to the selection of the winner. Raffle tickets may be purchased in person at Geek & Coffee through members of San Miguel de Allende Quilters and Rotary Midday of San Miguel de Allende. Pay through PayPal at rotarysanmiguelmidday@gmail.com and note “raffle” or www.rotarysmamidday.org, click on the “Donate” icon and choose “Girls Empowerment Project” and note “raffle.” Shipping is available.
About Niñas Sabias San Miguel de Allende:
Eight out of 10 young girls experience a loss of self-esteem when reaching puberty. In this culture, menstruation is often viewed as unclean and something to hide. Because of this, many miss several school days each month, which in total is nearly 25% of the school year. Often, they are hopelessly behind and drop out altogether. Because they do not fully understand the changes in their developing bodies, many become pregnant too young and repeat the cycle.
Niñas Sabias provides education, opportunity, mentoring, and solutions for these young women, so they instead celebrate and embrace the miracle of becoming a woman. From practical matters such as managing their cycle to promoting their confidence and dignity, they learn through classes in biology, spiritual exercises, and culturally appropriate rituals to embrace their power, know their bodies, and develop self-assurance.
Many women return to become teachers in the program to give back while earning a paycheck. The Secretary of Public Education supports these teachers, by providing them with credentials to affirm their contribution.
These young women represent a beautiful cultural history with an impressive work ethic. They will be our future leaders, teachers, business owners, and community activists. Our goal is that they carry the torch and passion of Mexican culture with pride and self-confidence. Help us support this necessary and invaluable program in San Miguel by purchasing raffle tickets!
Our theme for this quilt is empowerment:
The red centers symbolize love—of self, of life—celebrating our lives, bodies, and spirit; and of empowerment—to reach for one’s goals with pride and self-assurance. The 48 blocks are colorful and artistic, each as individual as the girls, representing self-expression, joy, freedom, and creativity. The quilting is gold, signifying wisdom, wealth, and magic.
Threads connecting all women, young and old, in sacred sisterhood—13 women, 26 hands— hours of love embodied in every stitch in support of young women living in San Miguel de Allende on their journey to adulthood. Join us.
Charity Raffle to Benefit Niñas Sabias
Geek & Coffee, Fábrica la Aurora
Raffle Tickets 50 pesos each; 11 tickets for 500 pesos
100% proceeds to Niñas Sabias
Winning Raffle Ticket selected at Geek & Coffee on December 11, 2022
