Quota Club of Northern Colorado

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!

Quota gals had an amazing evening of volunteering and “serving” our great community once again at this years Empty Bowls event.

Empty Bowls is a non-profit organization supported by artists and crafts people in cities and towns around the world to raise money for food related charities to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. 

Ceramic potters and students in Northern Colorado donated hundreds of bowls for this year’s which was held on February 20^th.  And Quota Club of Norther Colorado volunteers was right there supporting this incredible organization by welcoming patrons, serving soup and distributing gorgeous bowls.

Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom touched the world’s hearts when their ceramics classes made ceramic bowls, added soup, then sent the bowls home as a reminder of all the people that are hungry in the world. The proceeds from this amazing program raised funds to support the Larimer County Food Bank. In addition to the food bank, Empty Bowls supports charitable food-related organizations around the world and has raised millions of dollars to help end hunger. 

Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom touched the world’s hearts when their ceramics classes made ceramic bowls, added soup, then sent the bowls home as a reminder of all the people that are hungry in the world.

“Empty Bowls is recognized for changing the world by sharing, caring and touching the hearts of people in your community.”

For additional information about Empty Bowls, visit their website at: https://emptybowls.com/

Also, click on the following link for more information about Quota NOCO at: https://quotainternationalfortcollins.com/

Quota Club of Northern Colorado kicked off our January dinner meeting in a BIG way! We were so fortunate to have Sahra Cahoon, Executive Director from Love for Lily was our guest speaker. Love for Lily is a non-profit organization that provides truly life changing, “high-quality support for families and the medical teams” who serve babies in Neonatal Intensive Care units (NICU). The entire evening was filled with so much love, passion and caring due to Sahra’s presentation. Love for Lily strongly believes that no one should have to walk into the NICU alone. They pride themselves on providing social-emotional, logistical, and financial support for parents of NICU babies.

NICU FAMILIES: Love for Lily’s comprehensive support for NICU families includes group sessions (virtual and in-unit) and one-on-one coaching with trained professionals. The services are available both during the baby’s hospital stay and after discharge, all at no cost to participants.

BEREAVEMENT FAMILIES: Love for Lily provides bereavement and grief support, love, and guidance to families whose lives are forever changed by the loss of a baby.

NICU TEAMS: Love for Lily also provides training for NICU medical teams on family programs, coping skills, self-care practices, and team building.

There are many ways to help this organization, either in person or from home. For more information about Love for Lily and many ways to volunteer with the organization visit their website at https://www.loveforlily.org/

For additional information about Quota NOCO and to be a part of Quota NOCO, to help us strive to develop and support programs that will improve the quality of life for others through a variety of service projects in our community. For additional information about Quota NOCO https://quotaclubofnortherncolorado.com/

Quota’s holiday party was filled with wishing one another a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love, laughter and warmth and light. The evening was filled with a time to wish each other a new year of happiness, good health and a year filled with fulfilling Quota’s mission and compassion towards all.

The following recipients received funds from QCNC

 October 2023 to October 2024

Women and Children:

PSS Scholarship fund                                                                                                     

Disabled Resources Services

SNAAP

Loveland Youth Gardeners

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Miracle Ear Foundation

Elementary Host Day at Thompson School District

Host Day in Poudre School District

Fort Collins Children’s Theatre

Colorado Hands and Voices

Scholarships:

6 scholarships were awarded – Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Local Disaster Relief:

Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund

Quota Club’s primary fundraiser is Estate Sales. Proceeds support services throughout Northern Colorado and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Theresa R., Quota’s Program Co-Chair introduced our guest speaker this month, Tiffany Ballew, (pictured above) who is the ADRC Program Supervisor (Aging, Disability, Resource Center) with the Department of Human Services Office on Aging in Larimer County, Colorado.

The Office on Aging is a government and/or community-based organization dedicated to addressing and serving the needs of older adults. The Office on Aging was founded under the Older Americans Act in 1965. They provide resources, services, and advocacy to promote the well-being, independence, and quality of life for seniors. Services often include health and wellness programs, caregiver support, information on housing and long-term care, financial assistance, legal aid, and social engagement opportunities. The office may also help connect individuals with local community services and support networks.

Ms. Ballew explained that the Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA) serves adults 60 and beyond, adults living with a disability, and caregivers. LCOA plays a unique role not only to provide direct services and fund community partners, but to innovate and advocate to meet the growing needs of the community in northern Colorado. Additionally, of the many, many resources available through the ADRC, they also provide vouchers to support daily and household activities that assist older adults to live safely in their homes.

To view additional information and resources https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa

What an incredibly fun afternoon for Quota members and guests!!! Special thanks to Debra H. & Nan W. for a REALLY lively and delightful Saturday afternoon. Quota’s own Nan W. provided us with our very own  private dance lessons.

Learning the Electric Slide and the Wagon Wheel is like joining a choreographed party where everyone’s in sync (or trying to be…), but with a bit of a twist, a “Quota twist”. Imagine stepping onto a floor, boots tapping to the rhythm, and all about having a blast while picking up the steps. You don’t need a partner, just the energy and giggles to follow along, spin, shuffle, and maybe add a little Quota sass as you kick up the dust! That is exactly what we did! Thanks again to Debra for helping to organize this event and to Nan for your patience and fun instruction.

The definition of commitment is a “firm dedication to a cause, activity or task. It involves making a promise or decision to follow through with an action or responsibility which often requires consistent effort and reliability.”  This definition definitely describes the members who make up Quota Club of Northern Colorado especially members who have volunteered to take on leadership positions within the organization.

During our recent dinner meeting Quota NOCO President Barb. L gave special recognition and thanks to our outgoing board members (picture above) Debra H. and Nan W. for their multiple years and hard work serving on the board of directors. In addition, President Barb L. inducted and welcomed our newest board of members (picture below),  Judy W., Leah S. and Kristi M. who have volunteered to be on the board for 1-to-2-year terms. As the saying goes…”it takes a village…” and the Quota Club is an amazing group to be a part of. If you are interested in being a part of this amazing organization, contact us.

The definition of commitment is a “firm dedication to a cause, activity or task. It involves making a promise or decision to follow through with an action or responsibility which often requires consistent effort and reliability.”  This definition definitely describes the members who make up Quota Club of Northern Colorado especially members who have volunteered to take on leadership positions within the organization.

During our September dinner meeting Quota NOCO President Barb. L gave special recognition and thanks to our outgoing board members Debra H. and Nan W. for their many years and hard work serving on the board of directors. In addition, President Barb L. inducted and welcomed our newest board of members,  Judy W., Leah S. and Kristi M. who have volunteered to be on the board for 1-to-2-year terms. As the saying goes…”it takes a village…” and the Quota Club is an amazing group of hard working and dedicated women.

Quota’s September2024 meeting was an incredibly informative evening. Special guest speakers Susan Canney and Anne Hall representatives from the Larimer County (Fort Collins) area League of Women Voters provided summaries about several of the Amendments and Propositions that are on the upcoming November 2024 ballot in Colorado.

In addition, Anne and Susan shared the history The League of Women Voters (LWV) and explained that the LWV is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that was established in 1920 by women’s suffrage leaders. The LWV was formed shortly after women in the United States gained the right to vote with, the passage of the 19^th Amendment. The primary goal of the organization is to empower voters and promote active participation in democracy.

The LWV focuses on voter education, advocating for free and fair elections, and ensuring that all citizens have access to the voting process. Additionally, the League also works on public policy issues such as healthcare, environmental protection, and government transparency. The organization remains a key player in promoting civic engagement and defending voting rights.

For additional information visit the League of Women Voters website at: https://www.lwv.org/. For more information about the Larimer County LWV www.lwv-larimercounty.org.