On November 7, 1997, Kevin Wallevand, a reporter for WDAY-TV in Fargo, North Dakota, received a heartfelt honor when he and photographer Chad Pederson were presented with quilts by the North Buffalo Church. This gesture followed their documentary, “The Quilt: Hope from the Heartland,” which earned WDAY its first Emmy Award, marking a significant achievement for a North Dakota television station.
Documentary Highlights Community Spirit
Wallevand and Pederson’s half-hour documentary told the story of a quilt created by the women of North Buffalo Church in Kragnes, Minnesota. This quilt, rich with personal stories and connections, was eventually sent to a village in Angola. The film not only showcased the artistry involved but also highlighted the powerful impact that community efforts can have across borders.
Winning the Emmy was a pinnacle moment for the WDAY team. Yet, the church’s invitation to a special service last month provided an opportunity for deeper engagement with the community that had inspired their documentary. Wallevand and Pederson attended the service with the expectation of reconnecting with the women featured in their film, but they were met with an outpouring of gratitude and celebration instead.
A Personal Connection
The church, adorned with signs welcoming the duo, provided a warm atmosphere as the Rev. Larry Vigen incorporated the story of the quilt into his sermon. He emphasized the profound difference that individuals, particularly the quilters, can make in the lives of others. About 15 women from the church came forward during the service to present gifts to Wallevand and Pederson, culminating in the presentation of a quilt to each of them.
Wallevand received a quilt that was a replica of the one showcased in the documentary. The emotional weight of the moment was evident, as he struggled to express his gratitude, stating, “As neat as it was professionally to get that Emmy, it was a lot more rewarding to me personally to get that quilt. It was a neat day. They are a neat group.”
The quilts symbolize not only the artistic talent of the women but also the warmth and kindness of the North Buffalo Church community. As Wallevand noted, the quilt heading to Angola represents comfort for someone in need, while the memory of the service will keep both him and Pederson connected to the community for years to come.
This event serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and community spirit, illustrating how endeavors like Wallevand and Pederson’s documentary can foster connections that extend far beyond local boundaries.
