This year was Clearwater nonprofit organization Three of a Kind’s 10 year anniversary, and as part of their celebration they awarded 10 area veterans with Quilts of Valor.

Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nation-wide nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” The quilts are handmade by volunteers to thank them for their “service, sacrifice, and valor.”  

Each quilt includes the names of the people who quilted it along with the poem, “May this quilt keep you safe from harm, may it be your good luck charm, I do not know your name, nor the mountains you face, but what you hold in your arms, is a quilter’s embrace.”

Along with the quilt, recipients are given a handwritten card explaining where their quilt came from and thanking them for their service.

Traditionally Three of a Kind has awarded Quilts of Valor to three veterans each year, however in honor of this year’s 10 year anniversary members decided to award 10. In order to be considered a recipient, a person must be a veteran in the Clearwater area and working to give back by being active in the Clearwater American Legion or other worthy cause. Veterans are nominated by people in the community and recipients are then chosen by Three of a Kind members.

The quilts were awarded during Three of a Kind’s annual bike run and fundraiser in July. Each year the money raised during the fundraiser goes toward awarding three scholarships to Monticello High School students, which is the school the three men who inspired Three of a Kind attended. The rest of the funds are donated to Eagles Healing Nest, a refuge for veterans who are looking for help to get their lives back together.

Veterans who were awarded Quilts of Valor this year included Jim Eich, James Golden, Gary Grant, Gary Hall, Chris Marshall, Harry Schreiner, Jack Spencer, Chad Svenson, Jim Svenson, and James Theisen. As he has passed away, Spencer’s quilt was awarded to his wife, Sally.

Other memorable events at this year’s fundraising event included fireworks and a marriage proposal from a woman to her boyfriend. He said yes!

Three of a Kind is a nonprofit organization that was started by Shawn Thomas after three of his friends, Matt Steffens, Jeff Colbenson and Brett Johnson, each passed away unexpectedly. The organization sponsors a motorcycle ride each year to raise money in their memory.