Detroit Waldorf School’s 2^nd Annual Knit-a-Thon:

Knitters and crocheters invited to support local school, craft items for Alternatives for Girls

Now Through to October 23 “Cast Off” Celebration

This fall, knitters and crocheters from across metro Detroit will join students and families from the Detroit Waldorf School in their 2^nd Annual Knit-a-Thon, a unique fundraiser for their school. Through October 23, Knit-a-Thon participants will collect donations for knitting or crocheting hats, gloves, scarves, socks and mittens (or 6-inch squares that can be made into scarves or blankets) that will be donated to Alternatives for Girls.

All proceeds from the Knit-a-Thon benefit the Detroit Waldorf School, an independent, non-sectarian school, located in Detroit’s historic Indian Village. All knitted and crocheted items will be made into beautiful hand-crafted blankets or scarves that will be donated to girls and young women at Alternatives for Girls.

The Knit-a-Thon wraps up on Saturday, October 23, 2010, 10:00 – 2:00 with a family friendly “Cast Off” celebration at the Detroit Waldorf School, 2555 Burns, in Detroit. Knit-a-Thon participants will gather at the Detroit Waldorf School, bringing their donations and knitted items, to celebrate and enjoy fun family-friendly activities, including fiber arts demonstrations, kids' crafts, music, a silent auction, and food by Inn Season Cafe. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 children 5-18 years, or $25 per family. Admission to the Cast Off event is free for all DWS students, registered Knit-a-Thon participants, and children under 5.

For those who want to participate, but don’t knit, the Detroit Waldorf School will offer “learn to knit” opportunities. Also being planned are several Men's Knitting Sessions.

The Detroit Waldorf School anticipates the support and involvement of residents from across metro Detroit. Anyone can register and participate in the Knit-a-Thon. To register, make a donation, or learn about Knit-a-Thon events, visitwww.detroitwaldorf.org/knitathon.html.

The Knit-a-Thon exemplifies the values taught at the Waldorf School, according to Terry Campbell, Chair of the 2010 Knit-a-Thon, and parent of two students at Detroit Waldorf School. "The Knit-a-Thon is a wonderful example of how our school engages with partners in the community. It also demonstrates values we promote at Detroit Waldorf School: kindness towards others, and compassion for those in need in our community."

“Everything that comes from the Knit-a-Thon will be treasured by our residents,” said Amy Good, Executive Director of Alternatives for Girls. “Whether it’s a blanket or a baby hat, it will be unique and it will demonstrate real caring and support for the girls and young women we serve, who are in need of both.”

Knitting and other fiber arts are also important to the Waldorf curriculum, which balances traditional academic subjects with artistic and applied subjects. "The Knit-a-Thon highlights a unique feature of Waldorf education," said Melanie Reiser, Enrollment and Outreach Director at Detroit Waldorf School. "All children at the Detroit Waldorf School learn knitting. Knitting benefits children because it helps develop fine motor skills, and requires focused attention and practical math skills. It also results in a product that is both useful and beautiful.”

Detroit Waldorf School is an independent, non-sectarian school located in historic Indian Village. Since 1966, the Detroit Waldorf School has committed itself to academic excellence, providing a broad and comprehensive Waldorf education for 122 racially and economically diverse students in nursery through Grade 8. Our Sustainable Tuition program endeavors to make a Waldorf educational accessible and financially attainable for all families who desire it. More information about Detroit Waldorf School is available atwww.detroitwaldorf.org.

Alternatives for Girls is a Detroit-based non-profit serving homeless and at-risk girls and young women, with the goal of empowering them to make positive choices. For more information, visitwww.alternativesforgirls.org.