Quota Club hosts conference The Quota Club of Alstonville/Wollongbar hosted the 61st Annual Conference of the 34th District on June 4-5. The 24th District was privileged to welcome Quota International President, Dr Gwenn Jackson, of Monroe, Louisiana, USA, to address the conference. Dr Jackson is the first medical doctor to serve as international Quota president.  She has been a member of the Monroe Quota club for 21 years.  Dr Jackson filled the delegates with the enthusiasm to 'create the Quota of tomorrow' and encourage the district to inspire younger community-minded people to become involved in Quota.  She also updated members on the Quota International projects, including direct donations made to Quota Clubs in developing countries that help disadvantaged women and children.  There was also a fund this year that raised $80,000 for the Queensland flood victims.  Th 24th District includes clubs from Tenterfield to Walcha. Governor Stephanie Gooding welcomed Dr Jackson, together with approximately 120 members, guests and local dignatories attending the weekend conference. Quota International is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian service organisation with 275 clubs worldwide with over 6000 members. Since its founding in 1919, Quota has been dedicated to making a difference in local communities and developing countries, guided by its motto, "We Share". Quotarians are known for their service to hearing and speech-impaired persons.  In 2006 Quota donated $US100,000 to the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC) after seeing their ground-breaking research.   With the opening of the new Lismore branch of the SCIC, it was fitting to invite audiologist Eleanor McKendrick from the centre to address the conference.     Biggest Morning Tea  Local advertising and word of mouth resulted in 12 of our members and 24 other ladies attending an enjoyable “High  Tea” at Mayley House, Wardell.  This is a restaurant which has been established in a Historic house built in 1908.  The proprietors of Mayley House, produced beautiful, home cooked food and the atmosphere was very relaxing.   During the afternoon, two raffles were conducted, and the prizes were greatly received. This has enabled us to make a good size donation to the Cancer Council of Australia in support of “the Biggest Morning Tea” event.     “Give The Gift of Quota” In 2008, our life member Leonie Campbell donated a” Give the gift of Quota” medallion to the Club to be worn by a nominated member for a year.  This medallion is given to the member who in the eye of her pier, symbolizes, all of the quality attributes, of a true Quotarian. Leonie nominated Dorothy Edwards to be the recipient for 2009.  Our member Jann LeLeivre has been chosen  as the lady who will have the honour of wearing this lovely piece of jewellery for 2010 by Dorothy Edwards.   Annette Ferguson Memorial “Rose Pin” Marilyn Perkins has been given the honour of wearing this brooch for 2011.  Marilyn was chosen by our Club members as the person who displayed the most positive  qualities of a true Quotarian, during the past year. This rose pin brooch is passed on annually to a member chosen by the members of the Club.