President’s Message

2004-2005
International President
Nicôl Lea

August 9, 2004

Dear Fellow Quotarians:

This is my first opportunity to write to you after being installed as Quota International's 85th president. It is a great honor and privilege for me to serve as your president for this coming year.

I have been a Quotarian for 19 years and have been to several conventions, but the Toronto Convention was very special. I want to share with you why it was special to me.

• It was special because one could feel the "magic" in the air and be part of the magic.
  
  
• This was our first biennial convention and this created a stir.
  
  
• We were in Toronto, Canada, the first country that made Quota truly international.
  
  
• We were among our friends, and one could feel that we were part of something greater than ourselves. It felt as if we were all together in a wonderful space filled with genuine love.

Opening Ceremonies was truly a wonderful evening filled with excitement as we celebrated Quota's 85th birthday. We sang "Happy Birthday" and had birthday cake; awarded "Wanda Wands" to all of our 2003-2004 membership and service award winners and our donors; and honored four special Quotarians as "Quota's Living Legends." A surprised Evelyn Horne, and past international presidents Beris Pritchard, Lynn Stephenson, and Carolyn Stubbs were escorted individually to the stage where their lifetime Quota achievements were shared with us. It was truly a "magical" moment when we all stood to give our "Living Legends" a rousing applause to honor them.

Our convention workshops were well attended, and I want to thank the presenters, who did a marvelous job. I presented the workshop on "Branching Out in Quota: Tips and Techniques for Getting Started." This was very popular, as there was standing room only, and we identified potential branches around the world. Keep posted to our "New Quota Branches and Clubs" link on our Web site for the latest developments and success stories. We expect to report exciting news VERY SOON! (For more information on how to organize a club branch or club in your Quota community, click here!)

For me, the highlight of the convention was Installation Night. This evening was for all of us, and I wanted everyone to feel and be part of the celebrations. I felt tremendous pride as I stood in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel's Ontario room reviewing the line-up of the governors and lieutenant governors prior to the processional into the Canadian Ballroom. We are so fortunate to have such talented, loving, dedicated, and committed leaders serving our membership.

We had such a fun-filled evening—from watching the Lion Dance to singing karaoke—that we wanted the evening to continue. The ballroom was decorated with balloons, and the tables were decked out with centerpieces created by Quotarians from around the world. They were truly spectacular and beautiful.

The most magical moment came when I stood on stage as president, and as I looked out into the audience, I saw all of us together united in our dedication and passion as Quotarians. This was truly a magical moment when I felt we did "Share Quota's Heart Around the World."

I also want to acknowledge my fellow board members who have provided me with opportunities to grow, learn, and share while being on the board. This year will pass quickly, and I wish you much joy, prosperity, good health, fulfillment, and blessings, because you deserve them as you serve others!!

With love,

(click here for the next President's Message)