By Michael Callahan
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – Jessica Simonson has found a way to keep her mother close.
Simonson’s mother, Bonnie Homan, owned a restaurant and was known to be “very welcoming.”
Her favorite saying was “you come in as a stranger, you leave as a friend.”
When Bonnie got sick with a disease that started in March 2012, it took a toll on her way of life and took away her presence in the community.
When Bonnie passed away in 2013, Simonson found a way to keep her close and retain her presence in the community — Bonnie’s Blankets.
“The non-profit has been formed in memory of my mom after she lost her battle of multiple myeloma,” Simonson explained.
“Her desire was to make fleece blankets for other people sharing her journey. Since she didn’t get to, we are carrying her wish forward.
“We meet once a month to make the fleece blankets. A group of family and friends (and anyone that wishes to join us) are welcome to be blanket warriors. We work together cutting and typing and getting about 35-45 blankets done in about five hours.
“Our primary focus is Froedtert Hospital Bone Marrow Transplant unit, but we share blankets with anyone who is in need of one.”
Simonson said that the group works from donations, but also donates time at Green Bay Packer games to raise funds, with all proceeds going toward the fleece blankets.
Bonnie’s Blankets will next meet on May 21, noon – 5 p.m., at St. Matthew Catholic Community, 130 St. Matthews St., Green Bay.
For more information, contact [email protected].