President’s Message

2008-2009
International President
Toddy Silkman

April 1, 2009

Dear Quotarians,

These are difficult economic times we are living in, are they not? The members of Quota International—you and I—have always been there for others when times are tough, and I know this occasion is no exception. Companies are losing business, many shutting their doors and laying off hardworking employees with bills to pay and children to feed. Tragically, people who once lent helping hands now find themselves on the receiving end of the kindnesses they used to provide to others. I am sure you are personally feeling the impact of the turbulent financial markets like I am, but I am also sure that you have never been more motivated to offer lifelines to those suffering even greater losses than ours during these dark and difficult days.

Here in the United States, April is the month that we file our tax returns with our government. April is also the last month of Quota International's 2008-2009 fiscal year, and while we will be publishing our financial report later in the year after our audit is complete, I wanted to offer a special report to you on the state of Quota International's finances and assure you that the board of directors has been closely monitoring our organization's finances, receiving weekly financial updates, and monthly in-depth reports.

While these tumultuous economic times have decimated so many long-term plans and financial futures, and, while Quota International and our We Share Foundation have certainly been affected by the economic downturn, I am pleased to report that the results have not been as devastating as has been the case for many other organizations. With the help of our financial advisors and the conservative approach we have taken in investing and managing Quota's financial resources, we are weathering this financial storm.

For calendar year 2008, our investments were down 15 percent, and I dare to say there are many of us who would gladly exchange our investment loss rate for Quota's. Still, 15 percent is no trifle, and while our dues increase has sustained Quota International, our foundation's long-term investments are very close to the $500,000 threshold that we are required by the bylaws to maintain. As far as our expenses, we expect to end the fiscal year with expenditures within the range that we had planned and the board approved.

In the area of donations, eleven months into the fiscal year, we have been successful at raising U.S.$90,598 of our U.S.$80,000 goal for the Wanda Frey Joiner Development Fund. As you may know, our current membership and service operations are very dependent on donations from our members and clubs, so our heartfelt thanks go to all of you who contributed this past year and continue to contribute as we enter the new fiscal year.

Our We Share Foundation, however, could use a helping hand, or your donation, I should say. Currently we have only raised 58 percent of our U.S.$51,000 goal for this fiscal year. That means we need U.S.$18,467 more to reach our goal. Therefore, I ask that if you are considering giving a donation to one of Quota's funds at the upcoming district conferences, or at any time in the future, that you carefully consider supporting Quota's service arm, the We Share Foundation, in this critical year that we are launching a new term of Club-to-Club World Service projects. This program not only changes lives, but literally saves lives. And if you would like to make a donation before your district conference, please click here for more information.

In closing, the world has never needed Quota more. I thank you for giving the gift of Quota in the many ways that you do. The board of directors and I look forward to seeing you at your district conference this year.

Yours in Quota,

Toddy Silkman
International President

(click here for the previous President's Message)

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