Tales Of A Fourth Generation Textile Executive: Family & Charity

Hello Friends,

For some reason, life keeps getting in the way of my blogs being posted in a timely manner.  Shame on me!  So I am sorry for being a day late…no excuses.  This week, as always, I have loads on my mind.  As many of my loyal blog readers know by now, there are lots of important things to me in life and in business.  This week, two of those important things are: family & charity.

Let’s start with family because family should always come first.  Last week I was crushed to find out that, after going to the hospital for neck pain, my only living uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  My family is devastated beyond words and unfortunately since the removal of the tumor, the prognosis only seems to have gotten worse.  I really don’t want to harp on the negative and get everyone all sad, but I can only stress that we all need to take time to enjoy life, smile and stay healthy.

Speaking of enjoying life, I know two kids that truly enjoyed life this past weekend.  My two boys had the great pleasure of enjoying a rookie day at a sleep away camp in Pennsylvania.  They never had rookie day when I was a kid, but basically the kids get to be campers for a full day.  They absolutely loved it and my older soon will be going away next summer to sleep away camp.  Bring out the tissues!  I also know two parents that can’t believe how fast their kids are growing up.  Where does the time go? I remember their birth’s like it was yesterday.

Speaking of camp, yesterday when I was supposed to have been posting a blog for you to read, instead I was playing hooky, but for a good reason.  I was invited to visit Camp Kehilla.  Camp Kehilla is a special needs camp run by the local JCC that my company and family supports.  I had the pleasure to watch the kids have a blast with some 18,000, 3×3 charms that we had donated for some special projects the campers were making. Check this out:

I imagine that some of you already know what these kids are doing, but if not, I am going to tell you.  They are taking glass vases, covering the vases with Mod Podge and sticking fabric on to the Mod Podge to make beautifully decorated vases.

Here is what the final projects look like (sorry for the not so great photos):

It was so amazing to see the kids enjoying the day decorating the vases. For all those quilt shop owners looking to get the kids involved with fabric, perhaps this is something you should consider trying or some twist on this using the Mod Podge.

In closing, I just want to urge everyone to value and enjoy life and family each and everyday. I also would like to remind everyone how important charity is too.  It is so rewarding to give back and gain pleasure seeing others smile because of something you did or donated.  Just a couple things to think about this summer.

Have a great week and don’t forget to put on the suntan lotion!

Scott