|
|
|
|
Lily Chin Signature Collection Teams with Orphan Foundation of America to collect 2,500 handknit and crocheted scarves for Valentine's Day Care PackagesLily Chin's Gramercy Yarn is the the official red yarn of the Red Scarf Project
The Red Scarf Project is part of the National Care Package Program created by OFA and the Freddie Mac Foundation to ensure that young people aging out of foster care are encouraged to succeed as adults. Three times a year care packages, assembled by individuals and volunteer organizations, let foster youth experience the same excitement as their friends when they receive a box from home. These packages show them that are valued citizens in the wider community. The annual back-to-school event is held on Capitol Hill in September, hosted by Members of Congress and their staff. The Lily Chin Signature Collection, the first signature yarn created by an American knitwear designer, is the official yarn of the Red Scarf Project. Beginning in Fall 2006, every skein of Lily Chin's Grammercy Yarn, a 100% superwash merino wool in the color red, will bear the logo of the OFA Red Scarf Project. Lily Chin, known for her appearances promoting the knitwear industry on Martha, the David Letterman Show , the CBS Early Show , ESPN Cold Pizza , DIY's Knitty Gritty , Lifetime's Handmade by Design , and HGTV's Sew Much More , will be a spokesperson for the charity An estimated 13,000 foster youth are attending colleges and universities this year, most without any family support. They are success stories in progress; studies show that less than 50% of foster youth graduate from high school and fewer than 18% go on to college or vocational training programs. “For young people without loving families and homes, receiving a beautiful, soft handmade scarf sends a powerful message that people care about their hopes and dreams and believe in their potential,” said OFA Executive Director Eileen McCaffrey. “We ask that people attach a small tag to the scarf with their name and city and group affiliation if any so that it will become a treasured gift from a distant friend.” One of the other major sponsors of the project is Einstein Bros. Bagels. All 419 Einstein Bros. Bagels stores in 29 states are participating in this effort. “We hope many of our regulars-not to mention newcomers-will stop by their neighborhood restaurant and make a contribution to this cause,” said Einstein Bros. President and CEO Paul Murphy. “We are pleased to partner with the Orphan Foundation of America and do our part to make a difference.” The Red Scarf Project is endorsed by The National Needlework Association (TNNA) and Interweave Knits magazine. “Interweave Knits is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful effort,” said Editor Pam Allen. “I am delighted that our fall 2005 Washington, DC Knit-Out and Crochet scarf contest has become a national initiative and is a cornerstone of the Care Package Program. We are proud of the hard work of needleworkers across America to make this program a success.” “The National NeedleArts Association is pleased to partner with the Orphan Foundation on the Red Scarf Project,” said Executive Director Patty Parrish. “The needlearts are known to help promote concentration, self esteem and well being, bringing comfort to both the creator and the recipient. By knitting or crocheting a scarf and dropping it off at any of the supporting Einstein Bagels, you are supporting foster children across America who want to further their education.” Needleworkers who do not live near an Einstein Bros. Bagels location may send scarves by mail, with their name, address, and email address to:
Orphan Foundation of America/ Red Scarf Project SOURCE: Lily Chin Signature Collection Web sites: http://www.lilychinsignaturecollection.com
About The Orphan Foundation of America The Orphan Foundation of America advocates for older foster youth who were never adopted and offers a comprehensive scholarship and support program. OFA annually awards over $11.5 million to students nationwide. The Freddie Mac Foundation is the founding partner of the National Care Package Day Program, and Gifts In Kind International and Otis Spunkmeyer are sponsors. FedEx is the official carrier of the Care Package Program. |
STERLING, Va., January 11, 2006: Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) has joined forces with the Lily Chin Signature Collection yarns, Einstein Bros. Bagels, The National NeedleArts Association, and Interweave Knits magazine, to send warmth and encouragement to America's college-attending foster youth by collecting handknitted and crocheted scarves, preferably in shades of red, for OFA to send in Valentine's Day care packages. The goal of the partnership is to collect 2,500 scarves for the first annual national Red Scarf Project.