The records were completely rewritten at Carol Joy Holling Camp’s 20th annual quilt auction Saturday. More than 800 people enjoyed a beautiful day outdoors at the camp near Ashland and helped raise a record $166,180! The previous high, $125,000, was set last year. “Who would have thought that it was possible to raise $166,180 on quilts in the middle of the summer,” said Dave Coker, Executive Director of Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM). NLOM owns and operates Carol Joy Holling Camp. “We are beyond thrilled with the turnout and with the generosity of so many people! The NLOM family grows larger every day and we are so grateful that so many people care enough about the life-changing programs and places that they make, donate and purchase all those beautiful quilts,” he added.

Hundreds of quilters from across Nebraska and neighboring states put in thousands of hours creating quilts of all shapes and sizes, from decorative wall hangings to king-size creations. Quilts sold from $25 to a record $20,000! The quilt selling for the highest bid was the first made by the donor. The winning bidder, LaVonne Loseke, from Kearney, then gave her bid amount to the camp and offered the quilt to the next highest bidder for their price. That bidder quickly agreed, making the total raised from this quilt $39,500. 

Included in the grand total of $166,180 was more than $30,000 in sponsor support. “The partnership of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Immanuel Senior Living, FAC and Tabitha Health Care, helped to smash the previous record amount raised and took us way beyond the $130,000 goal we had established,” said Coker. “In our wildest dreams, we never imagined we would reach this high. What a blessing!”

In addition to the auction, guests were able to enjoy the camp’s swimming pool and lake as well as hayrack rides, bus tours of the camp and a delicious barbeque lunch.

View the quilts and their selling prices! 

Mark your calendars for the 2009 Quilt Auction - July 25, 2009!