Our last dinner meeting was a REAL treat as our very own member Theresa R. (TK) was our presenter for our evening program on the “powerful impact of volunteer work”. TK began by sharing her “why” for becoming a member of Quota, such as her desire to help others, have fun and make a difference!

TK then shared statistics (per americorps.gov). about the impact volunteering makes in our world and community. “Between September 2022 and September 2023, approximately 28.3% of Americans (over 75.7 million people) formally volunteered with organizations. And collectively contributed about 4.999 BILLION hours of service.

One tremendous example was all about Gudy Gaskill, also known as the “Mother of the Colorado Trail.   Gudy Gaskill was woman who had a very powerful impact here in Colorado.  Born in Illinois and fell in love with Colorado after she traveled here while her father was a summer ranger in   Rocky Mountain National Park. Gudy received her undergraduate degree from Western State in Gunnison and her master’s degree in industrial recreation from University of New Mexico.

Did you know, the Colorado Trail was created because of Gudy? The Colorado Trail is a 567-mile path stretching from Denver to Durango, ranging in elevation from 5520 feet in elevation in Denver to 13,271 on Coney Summit and crosses eight mountain ranges. Gudy spearheaded the planning and development of the trail. She helped draw the route, incorporating existing trails and roads and persuaded the US Forest Service as well as other Federal agencies to support the project. Gudy then recruited over 10, 000 volunteers! Who, over roughly 15 years, constructed the trail.”

TK accentuated how one woman’s dedication and volunteerism had a monumental impact on our state and left all of us with a powerful sense of what our time volunteering for Quota does in our community.

TK, thank you so much for all you do!