Susan had been involved raising money through special artist galas for a local battered women’s shelter – Human Options of Newport Beach, California. It seemed easy to help them and fun. When she tried to volunteer, it required a lot of training. Her time was limited due to owning a retail business, and she was unable to help the shelter. Her mom had an idea one day to make blankets for unwed mothers. She asked Susan to help her sew them. Susan had connections with local picture framers through her art gallery and asked for their fabric remnants. She ended up with a pile of odd blue, black, and off-white fabric. At that moment, a bell went off, she began to sketch a logo, came up with the name Binky Patrol and suddenly an organization was born within a few days. Finch had the idea of combining a love for quilts, children, and helping others. This was much larger than Josephine Roush (Susan’s mom) was ready to be involved in.

Binky Patrol officially began in Laguna Beach, California, in May 1996, with founder Susan Finch putting a signup sheet in front of her retail business. From its initial five volunteers, Binky Patrol has grown to between 60 and 160 chapters – depending on the year – and and estimated 20,000 volunteers nationwide ranging in age from four to 94 thanks to the help of exposure on the Oprah Winfrey Show in June of 1996 Family Circle in 1998, current participation in Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Day” volunteer campaign.

Now based in Beaverton, Oregon, Binky Patrol continues to grow weekly.

If you have other questions regarding the history and direction of Binky Patrol, contact Susan Finch directly, sfinch@binkypatrol.org