Tapestry Accepting Dedication Award Nominations and Offering Sponsorship Opportunities

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Tapestry, sponsored by Purdue University Fort Wayne and Parkview Health, is accepting nominations for the prestigious Linda L. Ruffolo Dedication Award now through December 5.

Dedication Award Nominations
Each year, Tapestry is dedicated to a female role model whose positive activities have encompassed the family, community, and professional aspects of her life. The honor is awarded to women who exemplify a balanced life, the empowering of others, leadership, compassion, a positive attitude, service to the community, strength of character, vision, and implementation.

Linda Ruffolo joined the university in November 1995 as director of development and served as the executive director of development until her retirement in June 2014. She was an advocate for the City of Fort Wayne, a tireless volunteer, and a caring friend to many. Her extensive list of achievements and volunteer roles included supporting Arts United, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Study Connection, Forte Festival, Fort Wayne Ballet, Fort Wayne Youtheatre, and Fort Wayne Rotary, among many others.

Ruffolo passed away in March 2015 and left a legacy of dedication to the community and university. She received the Tapestry Dedication Award posthumously in 2016 and, due to her tireless work and commitment to supporting Tapestry and the university at-large, Tapestry's executive committee felt it appropriate to name the dedication award in her honor. Ruffolo and Irene Walters, who also retired from the university after serving as its executive director of university relations and communications, founded the event. Both were original members of the Tapestry Steering Committee.

Nomination forms can be downloaded or filled out online by visiting the Tapestry Dedication Award web page. Nominations must be submitted by December 5.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Tapestry is also now accepting corporate, educational breakout session, and booth sponsorships.

The corporate sponsorship program offers immediate exposure and long-term benefits of broadening the business customer base the day of the event and in the future. The goal of Tapestry is to collaborate with corporate partners to raise mutual awareness and provide a day of renewal, education, and inspiration for women throughout northeast Indiana.

There are 14 different Educational Breakout Session sponsorships offered at two different price levels. Up to 300 guests spend either a half hour or one hour with the sponsor in a session focused solely on the presenting sponsor’s area of expertise.

There are more than 150 booths available at five different package and price levels for sponsors to promote, display, or sell their products and services throughout the event.

For more information about becoming a sponsor, download a registration form, or register online, visit the Tapestry Sponsor Opportunities web page.

Tapestry 2019
Tapestry is a day of inspiration, renewal, and education for women in all stages of life, while also raising money for scholarships for students at Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne.

Nearly $1 million has been raised for scholarships over the past 17 years, with 89 students receiving scholarships.

The Tapestry Parkview Endowment has also grown to more than $600,000 to ensure future scholarships.

This year’s event will be held May 3, 2019, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Tickets go on sale March 1, 2019.

For additional information, contact Nicole Hahn at 260-481-4106 (office), 260-760-7409 (cell), or [email protected].

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