Gila Butte at Boutique
Toni Bolling Lutter
Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) celebrated a year of successes by sending a large delegation to the Arizona DAR State Conference at We-Ko-Pa Resort, Scottsdale/Fountain Hills. In addition to DAR leaders from around the state, in attendance were State Regents from California and New Mexico, as well as guests from the National Society, including Denise Doring VanBuren, candidate for the office of national President General.
Led by Laker Toni Lutter, Gila Butte Chapter showed its support for the State Regent’s Project (Project) at the State Regent’s Boutique. Lakers served as booth design and sales teams, and they also created artwork and miniatures, along with handcrafted Mother’s Day cards and gifts. Steffi Kern staffed her Colorista Booth, where she consulted on style essence and sold copies of her newest book.
Regent Marjorie Nelson reported on the 2018-19 work of the chapter and joined other Gila Butte Daughters in reporting as chairs of national committees. Gila Butte sponsored two state winners of the American History Essay Contest, both students in local grammar schools.
Under the leadership of Martha Jones and Toni Lutter, the State Regent’s Project announced its fundraising results. Before the Boutique opened, the Project had already funded the first two Project initiatives: A $10,000 check for musical instruments was presented to “Rosie’s House,” an inner-city Phoenix music academy for underserved students; plus, the Project funded a Colorado River historical marker to be dedicated in Spring 2020.
That means that beginning with the Boutique and onward through Spring 2020, the entire Project will fund the third initiative, which is Honor Flight. The Project Team hopes to fully fund two Arizona Honor Flights.
Gila Butte DAR meets in Sun Lakes where, in its first 16 years, it has become one of the most successful chapters in the state. Women over 18 who can prove bloodline lineage from a Patriot of the American Revolution are eligible to join, without regard for religion, national origin or race. Expert genealogical assistance is available. Eligible women interested in serving their community and their nation in DAR are urged to call 706-255-4847 or go to the website, gilabutte.arizonadar.org.