Quota Cares Month 2003 Top Winner
Quota International of Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia, District 34
Winning Project: Raising Awareness for the Energex Community Rescue Service

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Our Quota Cares project was to raise awareness of the Energex Community Rescue service and fund-raise for its continued operation. We did this by hosting a 'Cent Sale' (giant continuous raffle with over 140 prizes) that included a fashion parade, Devonshire afternoon tea, lucky spots, lucky door prizes and raffles (some for children), and the sale of special helicopter pins and badges.

Energex Community Rescue is a helicopter rescue service that provides services to meet emergency needs, including aero medical retrievals and transfers, search and rescue, counter disaster, emergency police operations, fire fighting, and other support activities. Financial support is vital to the service, as are the many volunteers who assist.

Over 25 local businesses acted as sponsors for the event. A check for $1,100 will be presented to the service at our upcoming club changeover dinner on April 8. The fund-raiser involved the majority of club members working together to ensure a flawless event. Some members helped gather prizes: one wrapped them for display; one organized the parade; and another organized the models. Several coordinated the afternoon tea, with many members doing a pikelet bake to feed the guests (over 100). President Sally compered the afternoon. Sore legs from handing out prizes, accompanied by smiles for another successful Quota event, ended the day. A local sports club donated the use of their venue and facilities. The event had excellent public support and we thank the many individuals who contributed.

RELATED RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES
During the afternoon, President Sally Mobbs presented a brief outline of our organization and invited guests to approach her if they were interested in receiving further information. During the afternoon members donned their unique club vests to increase awareness.

MEDIA/COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Community notices were published in local newspapers on five occasions, with only one public notice requiring payment. The event was also announced regularly on the local radio station during the week prior to the event, at no cost. Fliers, printed by a club member, were distributed to the general public. During the afternoon, all tables carried promotional materials for the club. Our Quota club has become better known from this event.

BENEFITS TO CLUB/COMMUNITY
Our club benefited from the comradeship of working successfully on a project, as well as from the media support given. Our community sees our involvement with major life-saving services such as Energex and rallies to support us. The members and supporters feel proud of this event's success. Energex Community Rescue will be presenting a certificate of appreciation or a plaque at our changeover dinner.