TOMS RIVER-The unveiling of a quilt resulted in a enriching experience for local officials and residents.
The Ocean County Library served as the site when guests experienced the unveiling of a quilt that was built by 90 people is called “The Fabric of Our Community Quilt.”
The quilt represents individuals from every different background and race. The event took place in Mancini Hall on Oct. 23.
The building of the quilt was organized by an organization call Ocean County RAFT, which stands for Reaching Across Faith Traditions.
“RAFT tries to create opportunities to bring people from different background together. We want to give people the chance to learn about each other and ask questions. We want to break down the barriers between us. This project helped us do that,” said the co-founder of RAFT, Lisa Gertner.
She said the quilt provided people the opportunity to describe who they are and what is important to them.
“The heart of quilt is we value the same things. Everyone is talking about love of family, faith in their community, also having a nicer world to live in,” Gertner said.
Mona Khan, co-founder of RAFT, said the building of the quilt started earlier this year in April and was finished on Oct. 23.
“I am very encouraged that people are showing an interest in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. The town belongs to everyone and our county belongs to everyone. I have enough faith in our community that there is room enough for everyone to be here, be apart of it and be valued,” Gertner said.
Detective Taryn Schwartz represented the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in support of the event.
“We need to put words into action. We as a community need to think about our roles and call to be be better humans. Let’s be honest this is a choice. You have a choice to choose respectful words,” Schwartz said at the event.
She said that RAFT and individuals who took part in building the quilt empower everyone around them to push forward.
Toms River Police Chief Mitchell Little also was in attendance to show support for the Fabric of Our Community Quilt and RAFT.
“When I heard Lisa (Gertner) speak of RAFT, I said that is something we need. This is a wonderful start. Lisa (Gertner) and RAFT help bring a diverse group together with this quilt,” Little said.
Little said also at the event he could not be more proud of Toms River.
“We really needed to have this brought to the forefront,” Little said.
Peggy Ruane, who is from Manchester Township, is one of the many individuals who built a quilt square.
“It was a fairly easy decision to be a part of the quilt. I was able to learn so much from meeting these great ladies from RAFT. To bring everyone together is important in this day in age. I learned a lot about different cultures and religions that I did not know before,” Ruane said.
Ruane also said she wants to continue to learn more about other and do more with other from various religions and backgrounds.
Karen Blenner, whoi is also from Manchester Township, also built a quilt square.
“Everyone that is a part of this quilt shared the same things that are important to them. It does not matter who you are or what color you are. We want peace, love, happiness and good health. The love in the room for the quilt is just wonderful. When people put their minds together to do something things get done. You have to tell them that in Washington,” Blenner said.