Induction of new Gila Butte members
Toni Bolling Lutter
Gila Butte Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is closing in on its membership goal of 125 active members during the DAR’s 125th anniversary year. December saw seven new members inducted and the chapter is pressing toward “125 in 125.” The DAR’s quasquicentennial celebration will conclude at 125th Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. in June 2016.
In the years leading up to the quasquicentennial, several new programs were initiated. President General Lynn Young unveiled Celebrate America! which included reporting of 12.5 million volunteer hours worldwide. At 124th Continental Congress, Mrs. Young announced the establishment of the Guardian Trust Campaign, a campaign to establish a permanent endowment to provide financial security for the preservation and restoration of our Washington home and to fund immediate restoration needs. The campaign goal is $25 million.
Gila Butte decided to jump on the bandwagon with an ambitious active membership target of 125, and is fast approaching that mark. Each new member has reached her 18th birthday and has proven lineal bloodline descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. At her induction, she pledges to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to respect the flag, God being her helper. Each new member receives her DAR pin and is supported by her DeAR for a Year, a DAR friend who assists her as she grows in chapter service.
DAR was founded as a service organization by four pioneering women who were excluded from Sons of the American Revolution because of gender. In the 124 years since its founding, DAR has established itself as one of the most inclusive lineage societies in the world, currently with 180,000 members.
The founders succeeded in building the finest headquarters ever owned and maintained by women. DAR headquarters encompasses a city block in Washington, D.C., across from the White House ellipse. Gila Butte Chapter meets in Sun Lakes and urges eligible women to join during this exciting quasquicentennial year. For information call 602-430-6048 or go to the Gila Butte chapter website at gilabutte.arizonadar.org.