Bonnet Blankies came about from a horrible tragedy turned into an inspiring story. I feel like the story behind them is so important to share so I'm going to put it here in it's entirety.
On January 22, 2008 in the city of Milford, Ohio, Mike Martinelli’s house caught on fire. He sustained third degree burn injuries to 35% of his body and severe smoke inhalation damage to his lungs. After nearly 4 weeks of care in the burn unit at University of Cincinnati Hospital, he passed away at the age of 30. Mike was a special person who gave everything and never expected anything in return. His love for his three nieces was indescribable; they were his pride and joy. Uncle Mike enjoyed spending most of his free time with them and even called them, “his babies.” He had a huge impact on them and to this day it carries on.
After his death, Mandy and John Hull (Mike’s sister and brother-in-law) cut out a portion of Uncle Mike’s nieces’ baby blankets, sewed them together and placed them in his hands inside his casket so that he could lay to rest forever attached to his nieces. The empty space in their blankets was replaced with fabric from one of Uncle Mike’s favorite T-shirts. His three little girls spontaneously started wearing the blankets as hats because it freed their hands to play while always keeping the security of their blanket nearby. “Our children not only grew attached to the blankies, but they were able to forever carry a piece of their uncle with them,” commented Mike’s sister Mandy.
“We have received so many compliments on the girls’ blankies that we decided to offer this awesome baby product to other children. Bonnet Blankies™ would not have been possible without Uncle Mike,” John said.
In honor and remembrance of Mike Martinelli and for his constant unselfish giving to others, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Bonnet Blankies will be donated to the Cincinnati Shriners Hospital for Children™ in Mike Martinelli’s name. Mike would have wanted children with burn injuries to have an opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life. Mike’s name will live on forever, and his work in helping others will hopefully continue through Bonnet Blankies™.
- Bonnet Blankies™ creators
Mandy and John Hull
Aiden is a huge blankie boy. He has to constantly be holding a blankie and cuddling with it. The Bonnet Blankie is adorable and he loves the different textures of it. He thinks it is fun when I put it on his head too. When he gets older he will be able to put it on his head himself and continue to play with his toys!
He loves to chew on it (and everything else!). I have found many other uses for the Bonnet Blankie too. It works great in a pinch to put on his head when I'm nursing and cover up a little. It also works great when we are going outside to plop on his head and shield him from the sun. He loves it as just a blankie too. I think this is such a wonderful idea and a great story.
I was really surprised to find out that they are on sale for just $11.99. They are making room for new
patterns and colors so they are available at this price while supplies last! These would make a wonderful baby gift too. I love that they will be perfect for your child from baby up to toddler. The bonnet blankies come in Mint Chocolate Chip (like the one we reviewed) and Decadent Dip (pictured below).
Win! Bonnet Blankies is giving one lucky reader their choice of Bonnet Blankie!!
This giveaway has ended. Congrats to the winner:
Comment #128
carlaboo11
