116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Polly wanna cracker? Pirates, parrots celebrate Quota Cares Month
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Apr. 16, 2012 1:45 pm
What do pirates and parrots have in common? They are both part of Quota International of Cedar Rapids ‘Parrots of the Care-A-Being' event which took place on three separate dates during the month of March in celebration of Quota Cares Month. With the help of costumed pirates, stuffed green parrots, along with other pirate loot, were handed out to children at area hospitals including Mercy Hospital-Iowa City, University of Iowa Children's Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids and the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City. Birth certificates with a Caribbean motif were provided with each bird, so that children could officially name their parrot.
Brainstorming for the event began after the Cedar Rapids Kohl's Department Store donated the parrots to their local Quota Club. Quota member, Betty Hargraves, knew friends, Paul and Cindy Smith, who liked to dress up as pirates for various community events. One thing led to another, and the ‘Parrots of the Care-A-Being' project was hatched.
The concept fit in well with Quota's mission of helping deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals as well as disadvantage women and children. And it provided for a fun way to put smiles on the faces of many children who might be going through some frightening times dealing with medical issues.
Quota of Cedar Rapids participated with other Quota International Clubs around the world to celebrate Quota Cares Month in March. The annual event promotes awareness of issues related to the 93-year-old organization's service goals. For more information about ‘Parrots of the Care-A Being' or Quota International of Cedar Rapids, visit the club's Web site (www.quotaofcedarrapids.org).