International President Ute Shares Message following Atlantic Hurricanes

Dear Zontians,

Our hearts are with our fellow Zontians of District 11 and their communities as we receive the ongoing news of the devastation that has fallen upon the Southern United States and the Caribbean Sea over the last week due to Hurricane Ian. Additionally, we acknowledge that our Zonta clubs in Puerto Rico also suffered critical damage from Hurricane Fiona and were still in recovery when this weather event arrived on their shores.

At this time, we know that many of our clubs and Zontians reside in the areas that were destroyed and severely affected. We have reached out to current and past district leadership and have heard firsthand about the total loss of homes and businesses for a number of our fellow Zontians.

The news and photos from Hurricane Ian’s destruction leave us concerned for the well-being of not only our fellow Zontians but for all people affected, especially women and girls. Naturally, many of you want to know how to help. If you choose to contribute to a relief fund, we encourage you to do so with an established agency to ensure your contributions are used properly or, you may wait to see if District 11 establishes a path for support at the district level. If something can be done, we will share that information with the Zonta district governors.

We will continue to keep all Zontians and their families, friends, and neighbors in our thoughts as they face very challenging days ahead. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

With best regards,
Ute Scholz
Zonta International President