President’s Message

2005-2006
International President
Carolyn Rice

Photographs used with permission from Quota member Kathy Pyle, Entergy AR—Magnolia Network. Hurricane Katrina in Gretna, Louisiana.

September 12, 2005

Dear Fellow Quotarians,

In the past days we have all been distressed at the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina along so much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I can imagine that you have been like me, watching the news broadcasts in total disbelief at the horrific devastation that has been caused by the hurricane. The cost in human lives is so sad: Whole communities have just been obliterated; possessions are all washed away; and families in total turmoil are facing many months, possibly years, of rebuilding their homes and their lives.

The news reports we have been receiving here in Australia show massive destruction and human tragedy everywhere to be seen, but those southern states hold special Quota memories for many of us following our wonderful convention in New Orleans two years ago, and so we all feel the distress more personally.

We feel quite helpless and in some ways unable to comprehend the enormity of it all, but for those caught in the middle of this crisis, it must be absolutely terrible. We know the human spirit is strong, and those who have survived this disaster will move on and rebuild their lives; but right now it must seem an almost impossible task.

To all our members in the Mississippi Gulf Coast Club and throughout District 21, please be assured of the prayers and thoughts of Quotarians worldwide at this time.

So now that we have an understanding of the situation being faced by people living in the devastated areas, the Quota International Board of Directors has made the decision to coordinate support for those affected by receiving donations through the We Share Foundation. These donations will be distributed to clubs in District 21 engaged in approved Hurricane Katrina relief efforts following the strict guidelines as set out by Quota International.

We remember the helpless victims of this tragedy, the injured, the families involved, all the rescue workers, and the many volunteers, including so many Quotarians who are presently making an enormous effort to cope with such an immense emergency. Messages of support and donations to Quota's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund are being received daily by our staff. If you would like to send a message, please e-mail it to Deputy Executive Director Nancy Fitzpatrick at nancy@quota.org (or fax it to Nancy at (202 331-4395). And if you would like to make a donation to our fund, which is overseen and sponsored by Quota's charitable arm, the We Share Foundation, please click here.

We are so thankful that all Quotarians are safe and well, and as your President, I encourage each club to consider supporting your fellow Quotarians in the relief efforts, whether it be by sending a donation, by offering words of encouragement, or by just keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.

There is nothing beyond our reach if we "Reach Out Together".

Carolyn Rice

(click here for the previous President's Message)
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