Quota International Donates to Silent Adventures

Quota International of Fairmont has sponsored two students in the Silent Adventures program at Fairmont State University.

The donation will give two deaf or hard of hearing students the opportunity to experience the best of West Virginia's natural areas while participating in communication and confidence-building activities.

As one of the world's oldest women's service organizations, Quota International seeks to help the deaf and hard of hearing community, as well as disadvantaged women and children. After learning about the Silent Adventures program at Fairmont State, outgoing president Penny Morrison said she felt it was a perfect fit for Quota.

"I realized, after listening to Matt Schmck's [program coordinator for Silent Adventures] presentation, that this program perfectly supports the mission of our organization," Morrison said.

The Silent Adventures program engages deaf and hard of hearing students in wilderness and community service activities that boost confidence and provide opportunities for communication, team-building, problem solving and personal growth and development -which are contributing factors to success in college and in life.

"Quota's sponsorship is critical to student participation," Schmck said.  "Unfortunately, many deaf and hard of hearing students come from financially-challenged families and ideally these students -who overcome so many other barriers in their lives-will not have to face a financial barrier, which might deter them from participating in this life-changing opportunity."

Gifts in support of Silent Adventures are being accepted through the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc. A gift of $1,000 will sponsor a student to participate in the program this summer. To support the Silent Adventures program, send a check made payable to the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., 1201 Locust Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554. Those who make a donation are asked to write "Silent Adventures" in the memo line of their check.

For more information on Silent Adventures, e-mail Silentadventures@fairmontstate.edu or call Stephenie Jaggie at (304) 367-4073v or (304) 367-4072 or Matthew Schmck at (304) 367-4984.

Quota International of Fairmont outgoing president Penny Morrison presents a donation to Matt Schmck, program for Fairmont State University's Silent Adventures program.