How to Win a Unique Quilt to Help a Small Town

A one-of-a-kind RAGBRAI quilt will be on display Wednesday as riders ride through Knoxville on RAGBRAI LI. It could be yours, but first you have to win it.

How can I win the RAGBRAI quilt?

The quilt was originally donated to Melcher-Dallas Community Enrichment. The group is now using it for a fundraiser to support the community.

You can donate online or send a free mailer to Melcher-Dallas Community Enrichment for a chance to win the one-of-a-kind quilt. You can also stop by Hometown Meats & Deli in Knoxville on Wednesday and enter the raffle.

The winner will be drawn on August 3rd at 5pm, but you have until July 27th at 5pm to enter.

Who made the RAGBRAI quilt? Where do the donations go?

Cleta Noftsger is the designer and maker of the RAGBRAI quilt raffled off by Melcher-Dallas Community Enrichment. The quilt consists of 30 official RAGBRAI T-shirts and measures 72 by 85 inches.

Noftsger “has been excellent to our group,” said Jonith VanWardhuizen, a member of the organization. She “helps us raise money for a lot of things that we like to do for our community.”

Two friends helped Noftsger make the quilt and she helped her with all of her niece’s T-shirts, VanWardhuizen said.

The money raised from donations for the drawing will go toward Melcher-Dallas Community Enrichment’s plans to brighten up their community. That could include welcome baskets for new community members or Friday night food trucks.

“We’ve got grants through the school, we’re doing a festival, which we’re working on right now,” VanWardhuizen said. “You know, if something happens, there’s a need for funding, and we help with that.”

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.