2012-13 SERVICE REPORT

July 2012

Quota International of Fort Lauderdale, Inc.

THE QUOTA COLLECT

Quench in our hearts, O Lord, all fires of selfishness.

Unfold to us the joys of true friendship.

Open our minds to a better understanding of service.

Teach us the real meaning of sharing.

And help us to hold high those principles of Quota forwe stand.

Ethelda Mullen Copyright Quota Club International, 1942

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2012-13 SERVICE REPORT

July 2012

H.O.M.E.S. Chair: Dolores Taylor

Three Quotarians (Nan Mercer, Verra Roth, and Carol Zeber) attended one of the wine and cheese gatherings at the Pink Flamingo 2nds, their high end (gently used) furniture store from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20th. Nan and Verra wanted to know more about their program and Kathy Barry was more than happy to talk with us. She wants to think about how we might help this year, but offered a few suggestions off the top of her head.

  • They need adult volunteers in the store for a few hours a week on a regular basis.
  • Become one of their “ambassadors” by telling people about the H.O.M.E.S. programs with aged-out foster children and their Pink Flamingo 2nds store.
  • Host a cocktail party for them in our homes and invite friends and contacts.
  • Make a one-time contribution.
  • Make a monthly pledge ($25, $50, $100)

Kathy was excited that we’d like to help with their Christmas party by providing homemade food and desserts.She asked one of her staff to look at the calendar and set a date. We told them that December 1st is our Christmas party, but if they let us know right away we’d lock in any other date and plan ahead.

She said she has not been able to get the outdoor kitchen “off the ground.” She’s holding our $500 which we donated last year until she can. The garden project has died somewhat due to a lack of knowledgeable volunteers to help and guide the young adults. If anyone knows people who are in garden clubs, etc., who might be willing to take this on, it would be a great boost to their program.

There are about 20-25 aged out foster kids in the program now, and four young children. They’re all working and/or going to school. There have been fewer babies born. She’s so proud of these young adults, especially of two who have gone on to university level schooling after graduating from BCC.

Something I did not know, or had forgotten, is that prior to taking on these foster kids, Kathy began 13 years ago buying up low income and repossessed houses, refurbishing them and working to place low income families in these houses. H.O.M.E.S. and several other organizations work together to accomplish this. They’re also working hard to revitalize the area known as the 13th Street Corridor.

Save the date for “Meatballs & Martinis” Fundraiser – Wednesday, August 15th 5:00-7:00 p.m. -- $20 / person

Anthony’s Runway, 330 W State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

FEEDING SOUTH FLORIDA Chair: Carol Zeber

Carol Zeber and Sheila Morris had the privilege of being at a Rotary meeting where President and CEO of Feeding South Florida, Paco Velez, spoke about the Feeding South Florida organization. It’s of interest to QI of Fort Lauderdale because we have allocated $500 to Feeding South Florida again this year. Feeding South Florida solicits “donations of food from a variety of sources – farmers, processors, grocers, manufacturers, retailers and restaurants among others—and distributes the food through a network of not-for-profit agencies including day-care centers, homeless shelters, residential homes for the physically and mentally challenged, assisted living facilities for the elderly, youth programs, soup kitchens and emergency food pantries.”

Last year Feeding South Florida served over 1 million people seeking emergency food assistance in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties. They distribute approximately 2 million pounds of food each month to hungry South Floridians through 800 member agencies. These are “children, the elderly, the unemployed and the working poor, the disabled, the homeless and victims of natural disasters, illness and violence.”

We chose this organization to make our food for the hungry donation because of their purchasing power. In their thank you letter to our club for last year’s donation of $500, they stated that our donation alone will provide 3,500 pounds of food and grocery products for those in need.

GOD’S LITTLE LAMBS BACKPACKS Chair: Sheila Morris

Sheila has been busy taking advantage of the back to school sales. This year there are 14 children going to school for the first time and 16 returning to school. The Peeps are purchasing the scissors with some of their money and we’re hoping for another donation from the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Backpacks will include a pair of shoes, two polo shirts, and numerous school supplies.

BASKETS OF HOPE Chair: Sheila Morris

Nan Mercer and Carol Zeber were the ones having fun buying for the cleaning and kitchen baskets for July.

THE “PEEP” REPORT Chair: Carol Zeber

The Quota Peeps spent their meeting times making back to school cards for the deaf children at Tamarac Elementary. Chair of the “Kards for Kids” committee, Judy Smith was out of town so the girls pitched in and made the cards for this annual activity. Actually, they love making cards and had a great time doing so.

They also spent time “spiffing up” some dolls that Hanna had decided to give to some little girls in need. Hair needed special attention.

On the last Wednesday of July they visited the children at Christ Lutheran Daycare. The girls are not only reading to the children these days they are also interacting with them playing and singing children’s songs. They took the dolls along and Ms. Monica was thrilled because they only had one doll – now they have seven to play with.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Zeber

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