Quilt Auction for Tracy's Sanctuary House - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Donated by local women's and church groups, these quilts are being auctioned to raise money to assist families impacted by accidents or illnesses.

Bruce Rittel founded Tracy's Sanctuary House after his wife, Tracy, was killed in a car accident in 2004.

While waiting to hear about her status, the family had difficulty finding a place to stay.

Coping with her death, Bruce envisioned a sanctuary for other families in the same situation.

 "She was always volunteering for soccer, church events. You know, she just really put a lot of her heart and soul into, into Bismarck-Mandan. And she was well-known for that. I didn't know that as much, you know, until after the funeral, but you don't realize how much people impact people's lives until after, after something like that happens." says Bruce Rittle / Founder, Husband.

Volunteer-based and supported entirely by donations, Tracy's Sanctuary House has assisted 1,500 families since 2005.

The founder says donations are down due to the economy, but they're busier than ever with the oil boom, because there are more accidents -- but no hotel rooms for the families.

 "Just because of the number of, of workers we have, there happens to be more accidents that take place. We've had a young man here that was 32 years old. His mother ended up staying here four weeks. He was blinded in an accident -- totally blinded in an accident -- working up at the oil fields." says Bruce Rittel / Founder, Husband.

If you want to learn more, the public is invited to come out and visit 908 North 8th Street.

You can make a donation by calling 226-7112 -- or by dropping by Gate City Bank.