The Intermountain Foundation will host its 2026 Holiday Quilt Show and Auction to support the Women's Heart and Vascular Program, raising funds for medical initiatives as Utah continues to see a decline in ischemic heart disease mortality rates. The biennial event, which has historically raised over $4.75 million, is scheduled to take place at The Show Barn at Thanksgiving Point from Tuesday, November 10, through Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Upcoming Quilt Show and Auction Details
The upcoming event features a quilt show running from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11. The exhibition concludes on Thursday, November 12, with hours from 9:30 a.m. to noon. A gala dinner and auction is also scheduled for Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 p.m. at The Show Barn at Thanksgiving Point. Tickets for the quilt show are $10, while dinner and auction tickets are priced at $150 per person or $1,200 for a table of eight.
A Tradition of Artistry and Generosity
The Holiday Quilt Show and Auction is recognized as one of the last remaining all-hand-quilted shows in the United States. Established in 1983 by a group of women dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of quiltmaking, the event has evolved into a beloved biennial tradition. Beyond the artistry of the handmade quilts, the event serves as a significant fundraiser for the Intermountain Foundation, which supports medical research, education, and healthcare delivery throughout the Salt Lake Valley and beyond.
Supporting Women's Heart Health
Proceeds from the 2026 event are designated for Intermountain Health's Women's Heart and Vascular Program. The focus on heart health addresses critical medical needs in the region, particularly as ischemic heart disease remains a significant health concern. While mortality rates for the condition have declined in Utah, the disease continues to impact many residents.
Understanding Ischemic Heart Disease
Ischemic heart disease, which includes coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease, occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced, often due to plaque buildup in the arteries. This narrowing can prevent adequate oxygen from reaching heart tissue. For Utah residents, the age-adjusted mortality rate for ischemic heart disease was 66.9 deaths per 100,000 population in 2020. This represents a significant decrease from the 118.3 deaths per 100,000 population recorded in 1999.
Mortality Trends and Risk Factors
Data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services shows that Utah's 2020 mortality rate of 66.9 per 100,000 is lower than the 2019 United States rate of 88.0 per 100,000. Risk factors for the disease include smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity, and family history. Advanced age is identified as a major risk factor, and men experience higher death rates than women across all age groups.
Public Health Initiatives in Utah
To address these health challenges, the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) program works to improve nutrition, heart health, and diabetes management. HEAL focuses on eight key areas: nutrition, heart health, diabetes, physical activity, schools, childcare, community health workers, and worksites. The program aims to increase awareness of prediabetes, hypertension, and high blood cholesterol while improving the quality of medical care and community health program access for Utahns.
Specialized Cardiac Care Services
Specialized care for cardiac conditions is provided by various professionals, such as Sheralee D. Petersen, a Physician Assistant specializing in cardiology. Working at locations including the Intermountain Medical Center Cardiology Clinic in Murray, Petersen serves an older adult population, including those over age 65. Patient reviews for Petersen highlight her ability to explain lab results and ensure patients understand their prescriptions and follow-up requirements.
