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Spring/Summer 2005 Newsletter
The Zonta Club of Houston
The Zonta Club of Houston, one of 1249 clubs in 67 countries, gives financial support to projects that benefit women in third world countries, and they also give financial and hands-on support to groups in the Houston area. Zontians excel at networking. When a member learned that a salesman from a formula company was picking up supplies that were soon to be outdated, she arranged for that formula to be given to Casa, where it would be used immediately. True to their international goals the women of Zonta also support Ten Thousand Villages, the fair trade handicraft store in Rice Village, and managed to promote both the store and Casa by designating an evening last fall when profits of the store went to benefit Casa. In true form, the Zonta members staffed the store that evening. Zonta plans to make this an annual event. Zonta members are among Casa’s oldest friends. They have been volunteering at Casa since the earliest birthday parties. Over the years they have made quarterly trips to stock the Casa pantry with food, supplies and of course the essential diapers. Knowing of the endless need, a Zonta member held a Breakfast Tea for her birthday and requested that guests not bring presents for her, but instead bring diapers for the children of Casa. The Zonta group adopted one of the houses at Christmas and in addition to giving the indispensable practical items of shoes and clothing, they had great pleasure in giving gifts like a skateboard and rolling backpacks. In perhaps their ultimate hands-on project, Zonta members built children’s indoor/outdoor tables of plywood and PVC pipe. For these amateur but inspired builders this meant research and several weeks of work to complete the colorful furniture. They welcomed the help of spouses and other family members. The 39 members of the local Zonta Club are diversified in their businesses and professions and also in their countries of origin, with members from Finland, the Netherlands and Australia adding international interest. Women who are Zonta members in one city often move during their careers and become part of a new community through the Zonta Club in that area. The members of Zonta share fellowship in service and the fellowship of being part of a group with a strong national and international presence.
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