Updated November 14, 2005

Quotarians Worldwide Respond

Quota Hurricane Relief Efforts
Letters of Concern and Sympathy to District 21 Members
Hurricane Damage Reports

November 14, 2005
Laura Lee Lahman, Governor, District 27
QI of Coral Springs/Parkland, Florida, U.S.A.

Just when most of us in South Florida thought that we would make it through the 2005 Hurricane Season unscathed, many of us returned home from the South Area Meeting to find out that we would be getting an unexpected and most unwelcome visit from Hurricane Wilma. Although "Ms. Wilma's" wrath in no way compares to the recent devastation to our once beautiful Gulf Coast by "Ms. Katrina" or that of "young Andrew" to Miami, Florida, many years ago, she nonetheless managed to create absolute havoc by disrupting our lives and changing our scenery for many years to come.

For those of you unfamiliar with these storms, the 2005 hurricane season kicked off on June 1, and it will end November 30, 2005. This comes as welcome news to all of us, as it has been an exceptionally emotional and dramatic hurricane season for numerous communities throughout the United States this year.

Although the pictures are shocking, they really can't capture the total devastation and the feeling of loss and despair that come as a result of such an event. Nor can they capture the spirit and resolve of the people that came together as a whole to rebuild their lives and communities. And of coarse, they cannot capture the compassion and goodwill of the many people throughout the world that reached out to help in a variety of ways, such as our beautiful organization and membership, Quota International.

Top hurricane experts from the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting that we will see even greater storm activity over the next several years in the Atlantic Ocean. Interestingly enough, hurricanes have made direct hits on south Florida on average every six to nine years since 1960. While on the other hand, Long Island in New York has taken direct hits on average every 10 to 14 years.

Those of us who have chosen to live in areas prone to hurricanes can't control or do anything about the violent weather conditions. We have, however, learned to prepare, recognizing that we obviously can't prepare ourselves for every condition as each storm is as unique as our fingerprint. If anything, these storms, as well as other national disasters, remind us to appreciate life, value one another, and be grateful for the good already received. More importantly, they teach us the true meaning of friendship and sharing.

November 8, 2005
Bobbie Carey, Past International President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
One doesn't know what to expect when traveling to New Orleans after Katrina. If you are a tourist and going to the historical sites—
the French Quarter, St. Charles Avenue, and Audubon Park, you will probably not notice any difference.

The French Quarter is beautiful as always. Many businesses are open, even Café du Monde, and the horses are again pulling carriages through the area, and artists are hanging their work on the fence at Jackson Square. Famous restaurants are not yet open, but I feel that they will be as soon as wait staff and chefs are available.

Going down St. Charles Avenue, you do not see streetcars, and the tracks are covered with dirt, but the trees are still there with a few missing limbs, and people are back in their houses. In fact, from St. Charles to the Mississippi River things are close to normal. Commander's Palace, which many of you have frequented, has not yet reopened, but other eateries have. Businesses and antique stores along Magazine Street have lots of local customers. Tulane University is supposed to reopen this spring. Tulane is the largest private employer in New Orleans. It will allow Dillard and Xavier to hold classes on their campus.

The shock is in other places. There is a four-story pile of debris in the middle of the big boulevard leading to the lake front. Every house on this boulevard is gutted or being gutted, and many of these are very expensive homes. The water marks on these homes are about 6 to 8 feet. They are close to the 17th Street Canal.
In the harbor, the boats look like they are from a Godzilla movie and the monster won. One big boat is across the road. The Southern Yacht Club, where we chartered the New Orleans club, is burned to the ground, and the old Coast Guard Station is rubble. All of the trees and grass are brown, because Lake Pontchartrain is salt water.

Going toward City Park the damage is very bad, although the New Orleans Museum of Art is high and dry and undamaged.

Going down Tulane Avenue toward the downtown district—where Tulane and LSU medical schools and Tulane and Charity hospitals are located—is like going through a ghost town. There are high water marks on the buildings, cars still abandoned on the side of the road covered in silt, and virtually no people.

The downtown area, including the French Quarter, took mostly wind damage and is coming back strong. Some downtown hotels are open. The Aquarium took a major hit, when they lost power. However the Audubon Zoo did not loose any animals, and the animals currently are in foster zoos.

I understand that the 9th Ward, New Orleans East, and St. Bernard are very badly damaged, and no one knows their fates. The debate rages on whether to rebuild, and if so, what and how. People want to come home, but they have no homes.

But the spirit of the people is alive and well. Alan and I saw a lot of people hugging each other at Martin's Wine Cellar when we had lunch and a lot of people saying, "Welcome back." One lady, a Lakeview resident, told us she had salvaged a few of her silver serving pieces and some china and that she was lucky and was going to buy another house. Many business people who have offices downtown came back immediately and "camped out" in their offices without basic services to begin to rebuild. What spirit! On that spirit, New Orleans will recover.

Everyone here appreciates the donations, the prayers, and the hands-on help of so many people from around the world. Louisiana hearts are full of gratefulness.

September 29, 2005
Diane Bass, President
QI of Southeast Texas

As told to a Quota staff member by Diane Bass:

"As we live 45 miles north of Beaumont (Texas), in a rural area, we decided to stay through Hurricane Rita. We had 30 people staying with us. A large chimney fell on our house—we have leaks, but not major damage. As far as I know, all our Quota members got out. Most everyone suffered small amounts of damage. Past President Carol Ortiz lost her house when it burned down in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Beaumont is still not letting residents back in. But the town just north did get traffic lights back. We're beginning to come alive again."

September 27, 2005
Rosemary Patterson, Past International President
QI of Bossier City, Louisiana

Rosemary Patterson has shared with us two news releases that she has distributed regarding her club's relief efforts. To print a sample news release that your club can use to report to your Quota community on your club's Hurricane relief donations or efforts, click here.

News Release: Women's Shirts are everywhere!
Past Quota International President Rosemary Patterson of Bossier City says she has a good problem. "My dining room is full of 1,700 new women's knit shirts destined for displaced women from the hurricanes. Originally they were for Katrina, but with so many new folks in shelters from Rita, it doesn't matter which storm sent you to us up here in Bossier City," said Patterson.

Quota Member Judy Macki in Kalamazoo, Michigan, called to ask if the Bossier City club could use the new shirts and could get them distributed to women in need. "Of course, I said yes," replied Patterson.

"My grandsons' school has picked up over 200 students, so they got three boxes. Shreveport Quotarian Jessie Schmidt, who is a VP at Goodwill Industries, has three boxes to distribute at a Job Fair this week, boxes will go to Plantation Park and Bossier elementary schools for new students, and the rest will go to Century Tel today for distribution to the Lake Charles/SW Louisiana folks there."

The Bossier Quota Club is also supplying all of the school supplies and backpacks for the Plantation Park and Bossier Elementary children. "As soon as we get a grant from Quota's WE SHARE FOUNDATION, they will all get a new uniform in compliance with the Bossier Parish School requirements" said Donna Cherry, Club President.

Learn more at www.wesharefoundation.org.

News Release: Quota Clubs Joins Worldwide Effort to Aid Hurricane Victims
Quota International club of Bossier City is working with Quota volunteers around the world to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Local Quota volunteers are purchasing and delivering school supplies and a backpack for every displace child attending Plantation Park and Bossier elementary schools. When a grant is received from Quota International, each child will be given a new uniform to meet the Bossier Parish School Uniform Policy.

Meanwhile, similar efforts are ongoing in communities with Quota clubs throughout the service organization's 14 country network.

"Quota clubs in the region hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina started helping people before the hurricane came ashore," said Quota International President Carolyn Rice of Parks, N.S.W., Australia. "Our hurricane relief fund offers an efficient way for people around the world to empower Quota volunteers who know what needs to be done in their local communities in the wake of this horrific tragedy."

While Quota's WE SHARE FOUNDATION has channeled donations to Quota-run projects in developing nations for many years, establishment of the Hurricane Relief Fund marks the first time the foundation has managed worldwide donations for a project in North America.

"We in Louisiana are so thankful for Quota members from other countries sending us money to help school children here in Bossier City," said club President Donna Cherry. "Bossier members have been sending money to a school in the Philippines for many, many years—never expecting that others would be doing that for us here in Louisiana."

To learn more visit www.wesharefoundation.org.

September 26, 2005
Vicki Miller, Lt. Governor, District 21
QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi, U.S.A.
I've just been reading all the wonderful news about the relief fund being established. I shed so many tears of sadness in the last few weeks, and this news brings on the "flood" of joy! A few of our own members have lost their homes, and some we think are still out of town and out of touch. For the most part, we're all accounted for: Betty Shaw, Barbara Brewer, Tamara Morrison, Skeeter Calcote, Terry Calvert, Lois Young (lost her house), Sandy Denham (lost her house), Frances Stafford, Ditte Holland, Peggy Bosma, Pat Wilson, Dee Lawson, Darlene Duffano, Joyce Forebush, Paula April, and myself. (My parents lost their home. My mother has sort of "adopted" our chapter, and often pitches in during our activities. She is in Georgia, crocheting baby caps for distribution down here as soon as possible. She said it's not much, but she "has to do something.")

Peggy Bosma is our link to the deLepee Deaf Center and is compiling a list of needs from their deaf members. Although the center itself was not damaged, many of its members lost their TTY machines, as well as their own homes and possessions. We hope to get a specific list together as soon as possible.

My 21-year-old son is serving in the Navy, and is currently stationed in San Diego. He called me yesterday, crying because he heard from his best friend here (who lived in Long Beach). He lost everything he had...car, possessions, job. He was heartbroken, because he knows he can't come home to help us, his grandparents, or his friend. So he let me know that he is signed up for Red Cross Disaster Relief training. He felt "it was the only way he could help." I don't mind telling you—I'm mighty proud of that boy.

My church (St. Mark's) was the one featured on CNN. It was the church that had services on its slab the next Sunday. We started Sunday School this week in a local elementary school cafeteria. We only had about 20 students, but I gathered up all of my stuffed animals, and we made up a "safari" themed lesson called "we're wild about God's love"! They had a blast! More than anything, the children are hurting, and anything you do for them brightens their day!

Paula and I are working in a double-wide trailer behind the shattered Convention Center. We share a table, but use our own laptops, and work side by side to rebuild lost files. I managed to salvage a few files from the South Area Meeting that she and I were helping Rosemary with B.K. (before Katrina), and by gum...we're going to be there in October! I've even written a special fun "Blues Song" for the occasion! We're determined that this will be the best South Area Meeting ever! I have asked any members who attended the last meeting to send me photos, because I've lost all of our copies.

Life B.K. is slowly returning to the "new normal." We are getting a few traffic lights back, and that is helping to ease the bumper-to-bumper traffic on the only east-west road left (except for Interstate 10). It takes me an hour to get to work (a normal 10 minute drive). A few grocery stores are opening up, so we no longer have to depend on MRE's (meals ready to eat)... although I must say—
some are pretty tasty! My only problem was getting used to eating out of a bag! I can't tell you the joy I felt last night, when I had my first fresh salad in a month!

Almost all of us have electricity now, but most of us are still not allowed to use water from the tap, except to wash clothes and shower. Most everyone is throwing their damaged furniture, clothes, etc., in piles outside their homes, so riding down the streets has become somewhat of a challenge, and you can't see houses (what's left of them) anymore, because debris piles are 10 to 15 feet high! We're sharing our homes, our cars, our lives, because no one is "not" in need. Whatever you see on TV (and we can't see it—no cable) it is 10 times worse. The chaplain who spoke at our services Sunday said it was worse than anything he had seen in Cambodia or Iraq. Our faith is tested daily. Sometimes, as we stand in 6 hour lines to retrieve our mail from Post Offices, we want to throw our hands up and say "enough"! But we press on. I will try and send you photographs soon. Until then, keep us in your prayers.

September 26, 2005
Bobbie Carey, Past International President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
When all was said and done, Baton Rouge escaped major damage with Rita. We got a lot of rain and wind of about 30 MPH with stronger gusts. Some 40,000 households in Baton Rouge are without power, but (husband) Alan and I have power, which is amazing. The levees in New Orleans had at least two breaches in the industrial canal, so the 9th Ward and St. Bernard, probably Gentilly, too, were again flooded but not as bad. These residents, however, have not been allowed back in since Katrina, and I know they would like to get personal momentos like family picture. The word is today that the really old homes made of cypress may not need to be torn down, so the neighborhoods adjacent to the French Quarter may be spared; however the new construction is not salvageable.

Cameron Parish, Grand Chenier, Lake Charles, and places south of Lafayette were hit hard by Rita. Flooding was the worst destroyer; Galveston didn't get it as bad as they were expecting. Port Arthur and Beaumont, I believe, were hit hard; we will have to see what we can do for our Quota members in those areas.

I understand that the Harrah's Gaming Casino in Lake Charles was damaged; it is on a barge in the Lake and became dislodged. It's a fancy casino and employs a lot of people.

From what we know now there hasn't been a loss of life except for the bus that exploded while evacuating Houston. However, emergency workers have not been to Cameron and Grand Chenier, and these two communities had a huge loss of life in the 1950s when Hurricane Audrey hit them and they could not get out. A lot of things have changed and I hope that people did leave. I saw more evacuees in church this morning and they are now probably from Southwest Louisiana.

Well, we are going to recover, but I cannot wait for the 2005 hurricane season to be over.

September 25, 2005
Maggie Lowe, President
QI of Batemans Bay, New South Wales, Australia
It was with great distress that we watched the news unfold on our television screens of the devastation and misery that Hurricane Katrina unleashed on New Orleans, and now also to watch the news regarding Hurricane Rita. We in Australia cannot comprehend the ferocity of such dreadful mayhem that Mother Nature can wreak on this wonderful world of ours. All at Quota International of Batemans Bay (District 35) in New South Wales, Australia, send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to all involved and read with delight the response that Quotarians around the world have offered in all ways, be it with either their thoughts or hands or assistance. It makes us all proud to be part of this caring, sharing organization.

September 22, 2005
Bobbie Carey, Past International President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Here is an update from PIP Bobbie Carey as Hurricane Rita gets ready to strike the Texas and Louisiana coasts:

Although Baton Rouge and New Orleans will get the outer bands of this storm—which is a concern for New Orleans levees that are weak—the storm on its current course will be devastating to Port Arthur, Beaumont, and Galveston, Texas. Quota members in those areas have probably evacuated, but their property will be hard hit; we need to pray for them and after the storm offer our support. If this storm takes a sharp easterly turn as Hurricane Andrew did, those of us in Louisiana will get a second major hit this year. Lake Charles evacuated yesterday and the coastal areas, areas below Highway I-10, started evacuating yesterday.

The Gulf is so warm that these storms become big and powerful, and with our coastal erosion, they roar in without any dampening through what used to be barrier islands and marshes. If you go to the coast around Grand Isle, Fourchon, and south of Morgan City, you see lighthouses, grave yards, and other landmarks out in the water. The Chandelier Islands, one of Louisiana’s barrier islands was underwater in Katrina. Just putting old Christmas trees at the coastline is not going to cut it. The coast, home of the country's seafood and oil industry, needs a lot more. The best book on the real story on coastal erosion that is written is a wonderful storytelling-style book, Bayou Farewell by Tracy Kidder. It really lays out the facts through the human element.

September 22, 2005
Mary Craig Low, President
QI of Grey Bruce, Ontario, Canada
Members of newly chartered Quota International of Grey Bruce would like to send our heartfelt sympathies and concern to District 21 for the terrible experiences and losses you have been through due to Hurricane Katrina, and our prayers are now with you as you brace for Hurricane Rita. We all watched on television and read the reports, and we felt deep regret for what you have been through. Many of us have friends and relatives in these areas as well as our fellow members in Quota. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 21, 2005
Vicki Miller, Lt. Governor
QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Here are a few photos. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Above and below, Lt. Governor Vicki Miller's house after sustaining the ravages of Hurricane Katrina.

September 18, 2005
Rosemary Patterson, Past International President
QI of Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I just want to give you a little of the idea about Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana and Quota member Jesse Schmidt. The job fairs that her organization, Goodwill Industries, sponsors are some of the very best things to do for these displace people from South Louisiana. Jesse is Past President of the Shreveport, Louisiana, Quota club. (To read the story about Quota member Jesse Schmidt submitted by Past International President Rosemary, click here.)

September 18, 2005
Elaine Smith
QI of Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia
Quota International, Inc., of Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia, wishes to extend our thoughts to all victims of Hurricane Katrina. We especially hold you in our prayers as you deal with the aftermath both for those who have lost so much and for those Quotarians who have the arduous task of helping to restore some sort of normality to victims. With love and prayers on behalf of our president and all members.

September 16, 2005
Nicôl Lea, Past International President
QI of Cupertino, California, U.S.A.
I am proud Quota and the We Share Foundation have taken a leadership position in the hurricane relief efforts. My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected as this tragedy is so devastating. My home club, Quota International of Cupertino and individual club members have contributed towards the hurricane relief efforts. We are comforted by the fact that our contribution will be administrated by District 21 Quotarians. Keep up the good work, and we will be with you every step of the way!

September 15, 2005
Betty Shaw, President
QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi, U.S.A.
I count my blessings many times a day. I stayed in my home during the storm. My daughter, her dog Madeline, and I sat in a closeted area. My husband took a nap! Believe it or not, I found it comforting to see a person with the confidence to take advantage of the situation to get some rest. After all, my husband's father was the mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, (the location of QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast), during that small hurricane, Camille. Last year after graduating from Louisiana State University, his daughter stepped up to the plate and purchased their family home to keep it in the family. Today it stands only as a pile of debris.

Now I suffer only of a strange sensation, guilt. I have a home, and my 83-year mother's home was spared. While so many have lost all, I still have my life. Although our office was destroyed, we are relocating.

I was grateful to read (QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast member) Tamara Morrison's comments (on Quota International's Hurricane Katrina Web page). I have been able to get in touch with only a half dozen or so of our members. All report they are okay. But as Tamara eluded, okay is a relative term. Almost everyone has lost her office or place of employment.

Regarding other QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast members: I have not been in contact with Vicki Miller yet. I have heard that she and Paula (April) are okay, but the coliseum where they worked was heavily damaged. I have heard from Lois Young, who was employed at the Grand Casino, Kathleen Gebia, and Barbara Brewer, with a real estate company whose office was destroyed. Needless to say, all casinos were heavily damaged. Member Lois Young' s home was destroyed. Kathleen's daughter gave birth to a girl on September 11. The baby is in the neonatal unit in Gulfport, but may be released on Saturday. Skeeter Calcote and Joyce Forbush report that their homes are okay, but the law firm's office is "toast." Frances Stafford, our charter member, reported in okay. Pat Wilson, who lives near the beach, replied that she is okay. Darlene Duffano, with our local ABC television station, also replied "okay" to my e-mail.

I am not sure what okay really means to these wonderful ladies. I only know that there are no complaints. As we move on, I am sure we will find many stories of strength and courage from my fellow Quotarians. When we get back on our feet, I am sure that the Quota spirit will be shining!

September 15, 2005
Quota International of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
One common bond that we as Quotarians share among us is compassion for others. It is what keeps us working through our club for the betterment of society; it is what causes us to spend time and money on others outside of ourselves and family. So we as Quotarians really are linked by this imperceptible yet unbreakable thread, one to another. That is why this terrible tragedy that happened to Quotarians in and around the Louisiana area grieves us so and touches us deeply. If we could physically be there for you, we would be, but instead we must tell you this. We, the members of QI of Penticton (British Columbia) in District 11 of Canada Area, would like to convey to you our prayers and our promise to meditate for your physical and emotional healing. God bless!

September 14, 2005
Lynne Caroon, Past International President
QI of Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.A.
Great update on what is happening in Quota and around the world. I applaud my fellow Central Area club, Bismarck-Mandan, for their challenge and also the one issued by Bath, New York. Our club members will be bringing checks this month to our meeting, and these will be sent soon after. I listened to the interview conducted on the South Pacific Area radio station where Quota International Executive Director Kathleen spoke; how wonderful the entire world is responding to assist the people in Louisiana and Mississippi. How very thankful I am for Quota and proud I am to be a member.

September 14, 2005
Eugenia Rawn, President
QI of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
To our sisters in District 21: Words cannot describe our heartfelt sympathy for the citizens of Louisiana and Mississippi. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of tragedy and devastation. We have watched the disaster unfold on the TV and cannot imagine what you are going through. It is overwhelming for us to watch it, let alone live it. We know, though, that the human race is strong and you will come through this time of trial stronger. May God guide you each day as you live out your Quota Collect in the service for your communities and your country.

September 14, 2005
Mariette Elling
QI of Zeist, The Netherlands
Last Wednesday members of Quota International Zeist in The Netherlands met for the monthly meeting. The Katrina natural disaster was on the agenda and made a deep impact. We follow the news on television and in newspapers, but knowing there are Quotarians out there makes the difference and involved us more personally. Sharing your stories with us is like being with you. The Quotarians of Zeist, The Netherlands, are with you in their minds. We wish you the strength to overcome what is happening to you right now, to recover and build up your future again.

September 14, 2005
Susanna Mays, Past Club President
QI of Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.A.
At our business meeting in September Quota International of Wilmington voted to send $1,000 to the We Share Foundation for use in the Hurricane Relief Fund. Quota of Wilmington is also working with other organizations in the Wilmington Area to purchase and send items to the devastated areas on their Hope Mobile.

September 14, 2005
Lynn Zerschling
QI of Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.A.
Thank you for updating us daily on District 21 Quotarians and where to send donations. We plan to collect some money at our Sioux City meeting tomorrow. I am sure we will have other donations in the future, too. I used part of what you wrote in the column published in today's Sioux City Journal. I quote two Sioux City Quotarians in my story: Enola Peters (a past president) and Jan Twait (a board member). Also, our area Red Cross chapter executive director is a Quotarian, Carolyn Zellmer! (To read Lynn's column just made available on September 14, click here.)

September 13, 2005
Nan Winsterstein
QI of Central Florida, Florida, U.S.A.
Here is a message from Ditte Holland, QI Gulf Coast, Mississippi, member.
Love in Quota, Nan Winterstein: We just got back from Atlanta yesterday. We left just before the storm, thank God. (QI of Gulf Coast, Mississippi member) Paula (April), too, is fine. She took her parents and daughter and grandchild to Arkansas. Her husband stayed here but is all right. We have roof damage and ceilings down in the den, kitchen, garage, and laundry room, and our wooden fence is down around the house with caked-on stuff, and it is a mess. (QI of Gulf Coast, Mississippi member) Sandy Denham is all right. She stayed in her house and had four feet of water in it. Anything below the four feet is ruined, but we made it and that's most important. I doubt if we make it to convention this year. Will you please pass this on to international that we made it.

September 13, 2005
Chee Ling Hew
Quota International-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Our members of Quota Club Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, wish to express our concern. We went through a tsunami in Malaysia and do have an inkling on how much help is required both financially and spiritually. Our members are praying for those affected by Hurricane Katrina, especially our Quota club members. May God bless them with strength and perseverance to pull through this devastation.

September 12, 2005
Charlotte Schamadan, Past International President
QI of Monrovia-Duarte, California, U.S.A.
Past International President Charlotte Schamadan has granted us permission to share a column she wrote on the Hurricane Katrina devastation, which appeared in the Pasadena Star-News Op-Ed section on September 7, 2005. To read PIP Charlotte's article, click here.

September 12, 2005
Kathleen Drummond, President
Quota International of Papakura, New Zealand
On behalf of Quota International of Papakura, District 37, I would like you to pass on our thoughts and prayers to the club members and their families and friends that have been affected by this terrible hurricane. Although we have seen on TV the devastation that has occurred, we still find it hard to comprehend just what they must be going through. Having been to the Quota International Convention in New Orleans, where we had a fantastic time in the vibrant city, seeing the town underwater and basically destroyed is truly heartbreaking. Through all this heartbreak, it is great news to read that all the Quota members are safe, even if their homes have not been as fortunate. We are truly thinking of all the members in this affected area.

September 11, 2005
Joan Asgarali, President
Quota International—Suriname
The board and members of Quota International of Suriname wish to express deep sympathy for all Quotarians from the areas stricken by Hurricane Katrina. CNN is providing us with daily news on this natural disaster and our hearts go out to our fellow Quotarians of New Orleans and Biloxi. In particular, the Suriname Quotarians who attended Convention 2003 in New Orleans and remember the beauty of the city and its plantations cannot believe that New Orleans will never be the same again. Please pass on our mental support to all Quotarians of New Orleans and Biloxi and tell them that the true Quota spirit among us will definitely lead to brighter days.

September 10, 2005
Rebecca Tabor
Quota International of Southeast Texas, Texas, U.S.A.
I would like to report that Quota International of Southeast Texas in District 21 has had numerous members participating in the disaster relief at Ford Park in Beaumont and numerous other shelters in the Midcounty area south of Beaumont. In the beginning, the work was so vital and emergent that pictures were not taken to show our participation, but I plan to get some pictures of further participation.

September 9, 2005
Angie Brush, Secretary/Treasurer, District 17
QI of Bath, New York, U.S.A.
I copied the previous information and took it to our first fall business meeting Tuesday evening for Bath, New York, and I am pleased to inform you that they voted to send $1,000 for your hurricane relief fund from our service monies. We are hoping that other clubs in District 17 will match our donation. We are praying for all those affected by this natural disaster.

September 8, 2005
Marlene Owens, Past Club President
QI of Morro Bay, California, U.S.A.
Thank you for providing the "way" to help our fellow Quotarians. Our club was relieved to be able to donate directly to District 21 through the We Share Foundation. The club directed a donation from the club and the members almost matched it with personal donations. There will be more to follow. Our prayers are with you.

September 8, 2005
Tine Varvel, Club President
QI of Taree, New South Wales, Australia
To all our Quota friends in the area devastated by Hurricane Katrina, Taree Quota Club members in New South Wales, Australia, want you all to know that you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We wait to hear more news in the coming days of the Deaf Center you support and the welfare of all the families involved and, of course, the welfare of all Quotarians in the affected areas.

September 8, 2005
Gloria Olson, Past Governor, District 22
QI of Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, U.S.A.
At our business meeting last night our club voted to donate $500.00 to the WE SHARE FOUNDATION and designate it to support relief efforts sponsored or recommended by local District 21 clubs in the aftermath of Katrina. Our check will be mailed this week. Further, we would like this contribution to serve as a challenge to other clubs to match this amount or make a contribution consistent with their capability. This challenge is directed first to our sister clubs in District 22 and, secondly, to clubs in our Central Area and throughout the Quota world.

September 8, 2005
Noris van Lis-Donata, Governor, District 42
Vivian Wever, Secretary/Treasurer, District 42
QI of Aruba, Aruba
The Aruba and Curaçao clubs received front page publicity for a hurricane-related news release submitted by QI of Aruba, "Quota Aruba & Curacao Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina." The article shares details about Quota's work in District 21 and promotes the acceptance of donations through Quota International's charitable arm, the We Share Foundation.

September 7, 2005
Jo Ann Whitehead, First Vice President
QI of Magnolia, Arkansas, U.S.A.
Our town was not hit by the storm itself as we are located in South West Arkansas, but thousands have relocated here to escape the devastation of Katrina. Our small town of about 10,000 has rallied to the cause with Quota members working at any and every avenue that needs us. We have helped with money and are helping with the distribution of clothing and food. One of our newest Quota members, Janie Forman, has worked daily at the distribution center and then gone home at night to make teddy bears for the children.

This endeavor has all taken place while we are still trying to get the annual Columbia County Fair Queen Pageant together. Quota Magnolia has sponsored this pageant for 43 years. We have located baby beds, purchased children's small sofa sleepers (sold at Wal-Mart), and $500.00 in Wal-Mart gift cards. One of our members is 92 and baking cakes, another made her way to Texas to relieve family so they could go help with the relief efforts in Louisiana. Kathy Pyle, another member, is currently in Gretna, Louisiana (just outside of New Orleans), with Entergy working in the relief call center. She has e-mailed this very harrowing tale of loss of life and flood waters:

Wanted to update you on where I'm working. Yesterday and today (9/5 & 9/6) two other ladies and I are in Gretna, Louisiana, which is in the outskirts of New Orleans. I know I have not seen the worst of Katrina; but the areas of destruction we have seen are just "unbelievable." At the site we are working at, one of the lineman was missing and had not been seen or heard from. His family had been evacuated, but he had stayed to weather the storm (I guess because he knew he would be needed to work outage restoration). As the water rose, he ended up on top of his roof, then jumped over to his neighbor's roof. He and the neighbor got into a boat. They were found three days later still drifting in the boat. Both men were fine and the Entergy employee is back working. He and his family are safe, though, but have lost everything.

The Gretna police department would not let Entergy back into Gretna to start restoration until the City of Gretna was secure. A mob of 500 to 1,000 project evacuates burned a shopping center. In certain areas of where we are, Entergy employees must be escorted by police or the sheriff's department to either scout/assess the damage or to make repairs to restore power. They tell me that the town of Buras is gone, completely underwater. Other parishes and towns are also completely wiped out or underwater. Very, very, devastating!!!

Quota has done a marvelous job.

September 8, 2005
June Danger, Past Governor, District 24
QI of Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
Please convey my message to those Quotarians who have lost so much from the devastation caused by the hurricane. I have visited both New Orleans and Biloxi, and my heart goes out to all those affected. How special it is, though, for us as Quotarians to be able to relay our wishes to our fellow Quotarians who are in trouble and to help in any way we are able. I have all of my Quota friends who have been affected in my prayers and I know together we will be able to get through this disaster, with God's help and with the help of all of our Quota community. I know support will be forthcoming.

September 7, 2005
QI of Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia
President Leonie and members of Quota International of Gloucester, N.S.W., wish to extend to fellow members of the hurricane devastated area our thoughts and prayers that all of your families and friends are safe. We are also remembering in our thoughts all those people other than Quotarians who have been affected by Katrina.

September 7, 2005
Margaret Andrews, Lt. Governor, District 28
QI of Gloucester, New South Wales, Australia
To all members of the devastated area, I wish to extend my best wishes for a speedy return to your homes and hope that your prayers and ours are answered and that all your loved ones are safe and well. All members of your community are in our thoughts at this time.

September 6, 2005
QI of Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by the hurricane and also with those assisting in relief efforts.

September 6, 2005
Barbara Rumbel
QI of Flint, Michigan, U.S.A.
I am having such a hard time absorbing all the info. we are seeing on the TV. I have watched daily from the day the Hurricane hit and still watch. I could not believe how long it took our government to get down to the area with the help and food needed for all those people. It was really hard to believe it was happening here in the U.S.A. I can't go down to help but will send my contribution to the We Share Foundation today. My thoughts and prayers are there and with all our members who are doing so much to help. We all appreciate all the information you have been giving us. Keep up the good work.

September 6, 2005
Barbara Lawson, Governor
District 24, Australia
We in District 24 are shocked to here of the losses that have occurred to you, your families, and friends during the horrific ordeal that has been suffered by all in your district due to Hurricane Katrina. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

September 6, 2005
Christene Pye, Past Club President
QI of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Thank you for the message and for the updates. We are all thinking of them and remembering them in our prayers.

September 6, 2005
Bobbie Carey, Past International President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
The federal government finally weighed in on Friday afternoon with troops and resources. They got all of the people from the Superdome and the Convention Center and are still looking for people in their houses. Evacuees are placed in shelters in Baton Rouge, Texas, and parts beyond.

They got the basic necessities to people. The general who is in command of the hurricane efforts on the Gulf Coast is a member of a big family in this area; some said he got off the helicopter and said "put down that damn gun and get some water bottles for people." He was a sight for sore eyes for so many who have suffered so much!

I have been at St. Joseph Cathedra, and we are helping people who call in, and we are organizing our volunteers for the short and long term. The Jefferson Parish sheriff allowed residents in today—this would be Metairie and the West Bank and Grand Isle. Only residents could enter and they knew that they wouldn't have power, water, or food. The breach in the 17th street canal is 85% filled in and some parts of the city are dry.

The front of the Advocate yesterday had a picture of an artist hanging his artwork on the fence behind St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans—what a great sight, even if no one is there to buy! This sight makes us hopeful. A lot of the historical places are still standing—Jackson Square, the Cathedral, Cafe Du Monde, Galatoires Restaurant, and the U.S. Mint.

Baton Rouge is now the largest city in the state, and we are trying to accommodate all of our new residents. Realtors are selling about 85 houses in a week's time.

September 4, 2005
Dawn Holland, Past Club President
QI of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
On behalf of Mary Walsh, President of QI of Sydney, the prayers and thoughts of the members of the Sydney club are sent to all our fellow Quotarians in the Quota world who are victims of the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. We all appreciate being kept up to date with this news while, at the same time, being conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by so many people.

September 3, 2005
Karen Rudy, President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Baton Rouge is overflowing with New Orleans evacuees. Traffic is terrible and many Quotarians and Baton Rouge residents are sharing their homes with people displaced by the storm. I went to the grocery store this morning, and people were buying items as fast as they were being put on the shelf. There are also concerns about gasoline supplies. There are waiting lines at all of the gas stations. Apartments are being rented rapidly and school enrollments are now overflowing. Baton Rouge will now be the temporary home for some 200,000-300,000 people. There are a lot of rumors about violence and car-jacking, however, the local news station reports that these are just rumors. This will be a big adjustment for everyone. However, we are all safe and have a lot to be thankful for. So many people have already reached out to help those in need.

September 3, 2005
Rosemary Hannie, South Area Director
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
Telephone communication is sporadic at best. Many cell phone towers are down. Baton Rouge has doubled its number of inhabitants and circuits are almost always busy. My number of human refugees has increased to nine plus we have become command central for an armed security detail from Florida.

September 2, 2005
Elizabeth Dare, Past Club President
QI of Klamath Falls, Oregon, U.S.A.
I have a four-day weekend and am going to take a U-Haul truck with supplies to Texas. Today, September 2, I'm gathering supplies.

September 2, 2005
Kathy Crowder, President
QI of Ruston, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I have tried to reach you by phone, but the circuits here are not functioning properly all the time. As I read your update, I know that you know by now Ruston wasn't directly affected. We do have a member whose family members lived in the Biloxi area and lost everything. Now our focus is on praying for these victims and doing what we can in our area to help the refugees. Thank you for your prayers and concerns.

September 2, 2005
Diane Guillot, Past Club President
QI of Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.A.
We had no damage in our area. Not even rain. Some high winds. We have a refugee center opened here since Sunday. At midnight on Thursday we had 1,830 displaced people there. We are expecting as many as 1,300 more to arrive at some point. I, myself, have been at the shelter working 12 hour shifts since Monday. I have seen other Quotarians providing needed services and products for the occupants of the center. Praying is something that everyone can do. Thank you for your concern for us.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast did not fair as well. They have lost their entire city. We have been in email contact with Vickie Miller.

September 2, 2005
Margaret Vallance, Past Governor, District 30
QI of Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
To PIP Bobbie Carey and all my Quota friends affected by Hurricane Katrina: Please be assured that you have my earnest prayers for your safety and well-being. As video footage is broadcast here in Australia, we are appalled by what we see. I know that the Australian Government has already offered help, as we did when the Boxing Day tsunami ravaged our Indian Ocean neighbors. I visited New Orleans in 1979 and again in 1980. I have so many happy memories of this amazing city that it grieves me to see what is happening there at the present time. I feel so helpless. All I can do is pray, and believe me, I will.

September 2, 2005
Gwenn Jackson, Past Governor, District 21
QI of Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.A.
In a phone message to the Quota International office, Gwen reported that they are taking in refugees in Monroe, and she has been delivering many babies of people from outside Monroe. She says people are traveling in from Mississippi to buy gas in Monroe because they are so close.

September 2, 2005
Rinia Veldhuizen
QI of Suriname, Suriname
I have seen the news reports on Hurricane Katrina and its hit in parts of the U.S., mainly in the state of Louisiana. Suriname is one of the few countries in the world that has been spared from catastrophes of this nature. Though, being fortunate in this way, I can imagine the overall devastation and the feeling of total loss. For those who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina, you are all in my mind and my prayers. "May God Be Your Guide All the Time."

September 1, 2005
Holly P. Bostwick, President
QI of Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Please be sure to let our members in District 21 know that they, and everyone else affected by Katrina, certainly have our prayers. And, if there is more we can do in the future, they should be sure to call on us.

September 1, 2005
Tamara Morrison, Past Governor, District 21
QI of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi, U.S.A.
You cannot imagine how much it means to know that people around the world care about what is happening to us here. It is so disastrous that we are having a hard time believing it. As you have probably seen on CNN and the Weather Channel, our lives have been dramatically altered forever. Our favorite restaurants are gone, our businesses are gone or damaged, our landmarks are like matchsticks on the ground, our historical homes are gone, our casino industry is devastated, our bridges are broken, and the list goes on and on.

I have a 5-year old grandson who had just started kindergarten, and now we may not have school for as long as a year. What do we do about that? Move and enroll him in a town as close as possible! We have so many questions to figure out just to carry on our lives that reach far beyond just the damage or loss of our homes. And while things like these are small things compared to the rest, it is still a part of the whole that we have got to deal with.

I can tell you first hand that not knowing who is safe and what is going on is the hardest part to deal with. Text messaging is AWESOME, as we have discovered it is our only way of communicating with those still on the coast. I have been able to send a text message to my husband, Bill, who is there, to go and check on so many people and their homes. He has done the best he can under the circumstances, and we have been able to let many people know that their loved ones are okay or their houses are still standing.

On our property, every tree is either twisted and broken, bent over to the ground, or on my home. In all, we will have to have 19 trees, (that's every one of them) removed. My roof will have to be replaced. However, as I survey the damage around us, I count my blessings and recognize that what we are dealing with, as bad as it is, pales in comparison to others. We will make it just fine. My sister has lost her home, but my parents did not.

My husband also checked on Mississippi Gulf Coast Quota member Paula April and said she and her family are okay as is her house. I believe "okay" is relative....meaning not destroyed just damaged, at least that is how it appeared at the moment.

As for what Quota can do....please keep us in your prayers as these long days of recovery drag on. We will eventually find out about the deaf center and the families there who may need assistance, etc. Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. Being a Quotarian means more than ever at times like these because I know the hearts of our members and the warmth of their caring and just knowing they are there is very comforting. I believe the Quota Collect says it all.

September 1, 2005
Virginia Pearson
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I was at a United Way Executive Committee of the Board meeting this morning. We are in the process of putting together a command center and will be working on this through the weekend to get it up and running ASAP. For those of you who have friends or relatives staying with you, please hang in there. We know that there is going to be a great need for the long-term and are working to gather agencies together to be prepared for that. In the meantime, you can call 2-1-1, which is a United Way help line if you need immediate assistance. There will also be a coordinated effort to gather donations and get the money, supplies, etc., to the appropriate agencies. Please help us in the effort to coordinate all of this so that the best use of every dollar is used for its intended purpose. Thank you and God Bless All of Us. I have 12 people at my house from the Mandeville area who work in New Orleans. And we know that we are all the fortunate ones—safe and sound. But there will be much to deal with in the coming months. This is when the sisterhood of Quota will help us all get through what lies ahead.

September 1, 2005
Marilyn Oulds
QI of Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia
I write to ask you to pass on to your members the thoughts and prayers of all members in the Quota International, Inc., City of Brisbane, Australia, club. It is a stressful time for everyone, and I know that if we were closer we would be able to hop in and help with the clearing up process. Sorry that we cannot be with you other than in thought.

September 1, 2005
Kathleen Treiber, Executive Director
Report of Telephone Communications with District 21 Quota Leaders
Of the ten clubs located in District 21 (in the U.S. states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas), one club only was situated in the area of Hurricane Katrina's direct hit—Quota International of Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mississippi. Thus far, two members—Vicki Miller and Tamara Morrison—from that club have communicated that they are safe and awaiting the chance to return home to assess the damage to their homes and property and make plans for their future. Because of the devastation in this area, and the outage of telephone, electric, and cable lines, we have not been able to communicate with the Mississippi Gulf Coast club president or other club members.

I have also communicated with two Past International Presidents who reside in other parts of District 21 (and farther away from the Hurricane's direct hit area)—PIP Bobbie Carey and PIP Rosemary Patterson—and five presidents of clubs located in District 21: Diane Eubanks (QI of Jackson, Mississippi), Karen Rudy (QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Donna Cherry (QI of Bossier City, Louisiana), Linda Roy (QI of Galveston, Texas), and Carol Ortiz (QI of Southeast Texas). They all are reporting a similar message: While they are concerned about relatives and friends in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, they are fine, their locations did not experience any dramatic damage, and they are trying to help the refugees seeking shelter and support in their respective towns.

August 31, 2005
Christene Pye
QI of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
On behalf of President Roz and all the members of Quota International of the Gold Coast, may I extend our sincere sympathy to the members of Quota who live in the areas affected by the recent Hurricane and ask that you forward our care and concern for our fellow Quotarians at this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, and we hope to receive news that you are all well and back in your homes with your loved ones.

August 31, 2005
Bobbie Carey, Past International President
QI of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
I know many Quotarians are concerned about our members in District 21 in light of the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina came into Louisiana below New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish (County)—some of you may know the names of Grand Isle—a nationally known fishing destination) and Port Fourchon (the departure for the oil exploration and extraction industry for the country). Grand Isle was not totally destroyed because some homes were built very solidly and on stilts; however, the other structures in the area were very badly damaged. The storm came in with steady winds of about 135-145 miles an hour ("Category 4" Hurricane) on Monday morning (August 29). Note that because of coastal erosion (we lose 25 miles of coast a year)—winds are stronger now when they hit our cities and populated areas.

The storm then took a slight easterly turn—this helped New Orleans somewhat and Baton Rouge greatly. The worst part of a hurricane is the northeast corner. The storm barreled into New Orleans. The mayor had previously ordered evacuation and many people left—we had them all over the state and in Texas.

The area slightly below and to the east of New Orleans—St. Bernard, the 9th Ward and Chalmette (where the Jackson Barracks and the battle of New Orleans took place) got the worst of it. The storm surge flooded this area and the wind battered the structures. However, the other parts of New Orleans had damage, but it was not catastrophic.

After the storm passed, the worst happened—a containment levee at the 17th Street Canal not far from Lake Pontchartrain gave way, and water from the lake started pouring into the city, causing flooding in 80 percent of New Orleans. Once they stop the water from flowing in and the lake drops, they can start the pumps and get the water out of New Orleans. This, however, will take a minimum of 30 days. Once that is complete, they can clean up and turn on the power, although they have to rebuild the power grid.

Pray for the people in New Orleans—they cannot go home for a month or more. This impacts one million people—one quarter of the population of our state of Louisiana, U.S.A. There will be no commerce, no water, and no electricity for at least a month. Most structures in the flooded areas have been severely damaged. The French Quarter and Canal Street were really not damaged until the flooding started, so hopefully these areas will be up and running before many of the residential areas. Harrah's was not damaged to any degree.

Pray for New Orleans and the North Shore—Slidell, Mandeville, and Covington. When the storm turned, Gulfport and Biloxi took a direct hit—they are only 90 miles from New Orleans. Casinos there are heavily damaged and all you can see for miles are foundations; the structures are gone along the coast. The storm surge was 20 to 25 feet. I don't know how far inland the damage is—I know that Vicki Miller and Tamara Morrison of QI of Gulf Coast evacuated, and I am sure many of our other Quota members did—I haven't heard. They will have to rebuild these communities as they did after Hurricane Camille in 1969.

My hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, got the storm about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, and it stayed around until about 3:00 p.m. But our steady winds were 25 to 30 mph with gusts at 50 to 60. This caused trees and power lines to fall, but we didn't get much flooding at all. Some areas are still without power, but I have power in my home and office. By and large we got off easy.

We are taking refugees from New Orleans, and the emergency command center is here. Louisiana State University is housing refugees and has cancelled classes and its first football game (a first!). Shreveport, Bossier, Minden, and Ruston (they are 350 miles from Baton Rouge) did not get any storm side effects, and they are all helping with people from New Orleans and the parishes around New Orleans.

New Orleans is important to our whole state—it is our economic and cultural engine, and this storm will have bad effects for a long time for Louisiana and for the country. The port of New Orleans transports goods out of the country and into the country and boats and barges are sitting in the river. Some oil platforms were heavily damaged and oil is not being pumped offshore due to equipment and manpower issues.

However, our state has survived the 1927 flood (told in Rising Tide by John Barry). We have survived plague, malaria outbreaks, and wars. We can do this. Pray for us. Maybe there are ways people can help in the future, but right now we just need prayers.

August 31, 2005
Joyce Fren, Past International President
QI of Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
I have watched in horror all of the terrible scenes from your Gulf Coast areas. It mirrors the tsunami in destruction and losses. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your people (especially those in the affected areas) as they group together to meet the challenges this disaster has brought to them and begin to rebuild homes, businesses, and lives. Where to start?

August 30, 2005
Rosemary Patterson, Past International President
QI of Bossier City, Louisiana, U.S.A.
I live too far north and west of New Orleans to have been directly hit by wind and water. But I do have great concerns. I serve on a State Commission called LSED that takes care of the New Orleans Superdome, Basketball Arena, Baseball Stadium, a large community center in Jefferson Parish, and the Saints Training Facility. All of these are owned by the State of Louisiana and administered by this seven-person commission. As you've seen on television, the Superdome skin gave way in the wind, over 20,000 people are inside in horrible conditions as there is no water, sewage, or power. So I'm sure it will be a wreck when this is all over. I have no knowledge of the other facilities that we oversee. So, I guess we'll be busy having meetings when this is all over to plan the repairs to this huge facility. This is way down the list of things that need to be done, with life, health, housing, and food first. But these structures are vital to Louisiana and the income they produce. We will be a long time digging out from this one.

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