New Hope

New Hope Quilt Auction Draws Strong Support and Record-Breaking Totals

April 23, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

April 22, 2026

CONTACT: Stacey Vonnahme, Public Relations Officer

(712) 794-0975 [email protected]

New Hope Quilt Auction Draws Strong Support and Record-Breaking Totals

CARROLL, Iowa – More than 200 supporters packed the room for New Hope’s 2026 Quilt Auction, an event defined by high-energy bidding and record-breaking generosity. The event featured 180 items, ranging from intricate hand-stitched quilts to custom firearms, with proceeds benefiting New Hope’s mission to enrich the lives of the individuals they serve.

Early totals suggest a record-breaking night. While donations are still being received, New Hope has already raised over $72,000, a significant jump over previous years’ totals.

“This year’s Quilt Auction was a powerful reminder of what makes New Hope so special–our community,” said Lacie Tedrow, Interim CEO. As we look ahead to celebrating 50 years of service in 2027, we are proud to build on traditions like the Quilt Auction. The generosity we saw that night ensures we can keep providing meaningful opportunities and high-quality care for the individuals we serve, both now and into the future.”

One of the most moving moments of the night was the outpouring of support for New Hope’s residents. During ‘Fund the Fun,’ attendees donated $20 each to sponsor 86 community outings, ensuring individuals can enjoy trips to Whiterock Conservancy and other favorite local spots.

Guests also stepped up for ‘Fund the Need,’ a $50 sponsorship to replace the HVAC system at a New Hope community home. The response was incredible: 54 donors raised their hands on the spot, anchored by a standout $1,000 pledge to help jumpstart the project.

The live auction featured several standout moments:

• The top-selling item was a Custom Superlite firearm donated by Volquartsen Custom Firearms.
• The top-selling quilt, Bargello Braid, sold for $2,500.
• A two-minute bidding war broke out over Carroll and Kuemper-themed quilts. The winning bidder snagged the Carroll High quilt for $2,200. Both quilts included signed basketballs from their respective state-qualifying teams.
• The evening’s “Choice of the Auction” featured the Farm Sweet Home Quilt by Mary Lou Grabner of Breda, which sold for $1,500 to Ron and Elizabeth Juergens.
• A Blood Bath Trilogy liquor package brought in $2,000, and 15 desserts auctioned for the evening generated a total of $2,380.
• An especially meaningful moment featured an art and quilt duo. The artwork was created by Jared, an individual served by New Hope, who paints by mouth. He was present to watch the combination sell for $1,000.

Proceeds from the Quilt Auction support New Hope’s mission of enriching lives. While some funds are designated for specific purposes, remaining proceeds will go to New Hope’s General-Annual Fund to help meet essential needs and sustain services.

“The support this year was incredible,” noted Cindy Neil, Director of Development. “Beyond the funds raised, it was the spirit of the room that stuck with me, especially the moment when paddles went for ‘Fund the Fun.’”

New Hope extends its sincere gratitude to the quilters, donors, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and attendees who made the evening a success. For more information about New Hope and its programs, visit www.newhopevillage.org.

Jared proudly displays one of his original paintings featured in the Quilt Auction. He was in attendance to see one of his pieces help raise $1,000 alongside the Dragon’s Keep Quilt donated by The Stitch of Jefferson. Assisting with displaying the quilts is Weston Bogue of Carroll and Eric Koeppe of Omaha.

Quilt Holder Doug Bass showing Midnight Mosaic hand quilted by Susie Duncan, and Auctioneer Dave Whitaker.

Bidding went high for the choice of the Carroll High or Kuemper Catholic t-shirt quilts, both made and donated by Leann Baumhover of Carroll.

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New Hope is a Carroll, Iowa-based non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with disabilities through residential and vocational services. Supported by the New Hope Foundation and five regional Bargain Shoppes, the organization provides the tools necessary for personal growth and self-fulfillment. Learn more at www.newhopevillage.org.

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