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 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 for 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 sign up sheet in front of her retail business.  From its initial 5 volunteers, Binky Patrol has grown to over 160 chapters 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.  Currently we have thousands of first-time volunteers numbering over 10,000 added in the past two months.

The original supporters have continued to support our organization since the first quarter in 1996: Hoffman California Fabrics, Wahoo's Fish Taco, Commpro Web Development, Orange County Register.

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