Gridley Quota Board of Directors Invite you to their Legacy in Bloom, 90th Anniversary dinner. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley Quota is a group of dedicated women who have united to overcome two extinction-level events and continue providing service, scholarships and support to local women, children and families in need.

The organization is preparing to celebrate its "Legacy in Bloom" 90th anniversary as a nonprofit service group with a themed dinner, "An Enchanted Evening in the Garden."

The club has existed within the community for decades, evolving from a social group whose members dressed in their finest attire for meetings and took on service missions to a nationally recognized organization known for its membership and commitment to service.

Historically, Gridley Quota operates its namesake Quota Thrift Shop on Spruce Street in Gridley. Proceeds fund scholarships for students in Gridley, Biggs and Live Oak schools and support community needs, including providing items to families in crisis.

Ladies of Quota International, Gridley, From 1936 when members took Quota and the club's image very seriously, dressing in fine clothing. These four ladies spoke at a local Gridley club as part of their weekly program. Photo from historical Quota event program. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Quota Club

Quotarians Cindy Davis and Tina Haro point to the club's ongoing work with Catalyst, which provides domestic violence services to individuals and families in Butte County, as a reflection of its dedication to helping those in need within local communities.

In addition, members of the Gridley Quota board said they receive roughly five to six donation requests each month, with most requests answered with a "yes." Those requests come from a variety of groups, including local Little Leagues, sports teams, school clubs and community events.

Haro acknowledged the organization's long history of giving back to the community.

"This celebration is really acknowledging that we have made it 90 years," Haro said. "A lot of people have supported us."

A blast from the past - a black and white photo of current members, Pat Teague and Cindy Davis, working at the Quota Thrift Store. Funds from the store are used to fund scholarships to this day. This photo is believed to be taken in the 1980's. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Quota Club

Even with that support from businesses and organizations that want to give back to the community, service groups such as Quota still face challenges. Despite the good they do, many service organizations are gradually losing visibility in society.

"In today's world, service has become nonexistent," Haro said. "Service industries and groups are a dying breed, and we have to keep it alive."

Changing social norms and interests have affected organizations not only locally but also internationally.

According to Gridley Quota members, Quota International disbanded in 2020.

"When Quota International decided to disband, Quota USA was formed," Haro said.

She said one of Quota USA's primary focuses was determining how to keep service relevant in today's world.

"So when that one disbanded, it was kind of disheartening," Haro said.

Quota members don patriotic themed sweaters and fundraise. This photo was clipped from a past Gridley Herald. Photo courtesy of the Gridley Quota Club

Gridley Quota members contend that their local group has worked hard to keep the organization strong.

Haro, along with her fellow Quotarians, is determined to keep the club's legacy of service alive and blooming, inviting the public to join them for "An Enchanted Evening in the Garden."

The event will feature memorabilia and photos highlighting some of Quota's notable contributions to the community through the years, including achievements that reached the international stage.

The event will be held in the Feather Room at the Butte County Fairgrounds on Thursday, June 18. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and include a complimentary drink. A no-host bar also will be available.