The next VDTA/SDTA Convention & Show will be in
New Orleans, LA
February 27 - 29, 2012
at the Ernest Morial Convention Center

Industry News

Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative granted 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granted the Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on June 30, 2008. Contributions to the AAQI are now tax deductible as the Michigan nonprofit corporation has been classified as a public charity by the IRS.

Founder and Executive Director Ami Simms said, “We just got the letter from the IRS today. I am ecstatic! This means we can take the AAQI to the next level. Not only can our supporters get a tax break, but we can apply for grants to fund future programs and work with corporations in the quilting community who want their philanthropic efforts to include finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.”

The Alzheimer’s Art Quilt Initiative is a national, grassroots organization whose mission is to raise awareness and fund research. Alzheimer’s: Forgetting Piece by Piece (a nationally touring exhibit of quilts about Alzheimer’s) and Priority: Alzheimer’s Quilts (ongoing auction and sale of small quilts) are two of its efforts. The AAQI has raised and donated more than $157,000 for Alzheimer’s research since January 2006. Simms of Flint, MI, is the founder and executive director of AAQI and curator of the exhibit. Her mother has Alzheimer’s.

For more information on the AAQI or to make a donation, contact Ami Simms at 1-810-637-5586 (9 a.m - 3 p.m. Eastern), ami@alzquilt.org or www.alzquilts.org.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, September 2008