2007 Press Releases
The U.S. ambassador to Latvia donates quilts to the Children’s Hospital
Riga, March 28, 2007. – Tomorrow, March 29, the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Catherine Todd Bailey will donate 10 quilts to the University Children’s Hospital in Riga. The donation event will be opened by the director of the hospital Dzintars Mozgis
Patchwork quilts are a uniquely American craft, and these particular quilts have a special history. They were made by Holly Anderson, the mother of one of the team USA hockey players who was in Riga last May for the World Hockey championship. Her son Craig Anderson plays for the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL.
Mrs. Anderson was so impressed with how beautiful Latvia is and how friendly the Latvian people are that she wanted to give something to the country to say thank you for your hospitality during the hockey tournament. Ambassador Bailey is very pleased to donate a piece of American art to the children’s hospital.
The Ambassador Bailey says: “The people in my home state of Kentucky are famous for their patchwork quilts. These quilts are a particular type of blanket in which the top layer consists of pieces of fabric sewn together to form a design. I hope that the children who are being treated in this hospital will enjoy using these blankets during their stay here. Blankets can be used as a decorative element but they are meant to be used practically.”
University Children’s Hospital is very thankful for the idea and asserts that these colorful quilts will make the atmosphere cozier and will help children to prevent thoughts about absence from home.
U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilšu iela 7
Rīga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: http://riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist’s e-mail: dilanes@state.gov; lubinad@state.gov