FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 18, 2003
CONTACT: Barbara Guthrie, Rainbow Child Development Center 508.791.6849

Worcester Ex-Pat Quilts for Rainbow

(Worcester, MA) Worcester native Patricia Ptasnik has donated an original quilted work of art to Rainbow Child Development Center, Inc. for its 3rd annual Signature Event to be held Friday, April 25, 2003, at 6:00 pm. Wachusett Country Club is the festive location for the night's dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions. This community-supported springtime fête is the chief fundraising effort of Rainbow.

Born and raised in Worcester, Ms. Ptasnik maintains strong ties to the city. Her philanthropic spirit is demonstrated in the repeat donations of her handiwork to Worcester-area organizations. She is a dedicated and highly skilled quilter, with strong emotional ties to our city.

"I started quilting about 10 years ago and have been the Chair person of the Des Moines Area Quilt Guild's Quilt show, and currently I am their President. In December of 1999 when Worcester lost those 6 brave firefighters, I sent them a quilt to be auctioned, and then a year later made a quilt to hang in their Memorial building. I have also sent quilts to all of the Sister's at Barry Rd, with whom I lived as a child for 3 years. I have sewed since I was a young girl, going to the Girls Club on Lincoln Street."

"After my service in the Navy in the '70s, I moved with my fellow serviceman-husband back to his home state of Iowa. I have many fond memories of my home city and even though I have lived in Iowa for over 30 years, I still call Worcester my home. I come back regularly to visit, and usually stay with the Sister's of Mercy."

"Recently, I went on the internet to find organizations in Worcester that could use one of my quilts to raise money. I read about Rainbow and knew the area well, and felt that they should be the recipients of the small quilt I made with my favorite fabrics - frogs. I have always felt that God gives us a talent and we are expected to use this talent to serve others."

Patricia Ptasnik's charming Frog Quilt is a featured item among many appealing auction lots available during the upcoming Signature Event. In addition, there will be tempting vacations, celebrity autographs, spa treatments, and professional sporting events. Chris Doherty of Shea & Poor will rally the furious bidding over these covetous items and many more. A wealth of silent auction lots will offer up a variety for every pocketbook, including restaurant gift certificates, fine arts and crafts, unique collectables, and a wide array of theme gift baskets. Mother's Day is around the corner, and there will be plenty of gift-giving ideas to inspire spouses and children alike (and don't forget Father's Day soon thereafter!).

Worcester's own Joseph Allen Tomlinson Presents Music by the Minute will supply fabulous dancing tunes, and will surely keep guests' toes tapping at the Rainbow Signature Event.

Rainbow invites you to come be a part of the fun, dance the night away, and do some good simultaneously! Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to reserve their very own group table for 8 at $300. Single tickets are $40 pp. They go fast -- order yours soon at 508.791.6849.

Rainbow Child Development Center (www.rainbowcdc.com) is a licensed, non-profit corporation that provides care, education, and therapeutic services to children -- ages 6 weeks to 13 years -- from families in the Worcester area. Located at 16 Laurel Street for over thirty years, Rainbow is currently finalizing negotiations to purchase the Edward Street School building, where programs and services will continue to grow and benefit the community's children.

To purchase tickets, to make a donation, or for further information, please call Rainbow at 508.791.6849.