Next weekend we will
be celebrating our 20th anniversary, since Paul and I started eQuilter in the
basement of our home. Paul and I met in 1995, and we started this business in
1999. We raised our kids in this family business, and the years unrolled like a
Jelly Roll falling off a cutting table. Where did those years go?
Our middle child who has had lyme disease and had to leave college 2 years ago,
is finally getting better and contemplating having a life again. My friend who
had the brain biopsy is now in chemo and radiation. My mom is in assisted
living and slowing down. I turned 60 last November and …can’t deny my bad
knees are getting creakier. So time passes and we all feel the years going by.
I never thought I’d be doing the same thing for 20 years, but then again it has
been a wild creative ride and a dream career. Paul and I count our blessings
and never take anything for granted. We come from entrepreneurial families so
running our own business is in our blood.
Sunday is World Wildlife Day, and we’d like to take the opportunity to point
out 2 of our charity recipients that focus on protecting wildlife habitats and
endangered species:
Ocean Conservancy is based in Washington DC, and their work extends to our USA
shores and beyond. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico, their work includes
projects like building sustainable fisheries and reducing the trash that kills
marine life. I have visited their headquarters in DC 3 times, to learn about
their projects, and share my concerns about the damage I’ve seen in my travels.
The Wild Foundation is our newest recipient, and they are working to preserve
wilderness areas and endangered species around the world. I have spent time
with their foundation’s president, and was particularly impressed with their
program to protect elephants in Mali (hired 600 rangers to fight poachers) and
in China. (educating about the value of wilderness) They were founded in South
Africa, but are now based in Boulder Colorado.
You can read more details about these, and our other 5 recipients, on our charity
page. We do encourage you to learn more about these very carefully vetted
organizations. Perhaps you will find one that you’d like to support personally.
We are
approaching $1.6 million raised for charity, and we thank you for your
support of our family-owned business, and our charity program.
Together, yes, we CAN make a difference!
sharing your Passion for Fabric…
Luana and Paul
