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December 21, 2021

“I want to tell you that I know full well that we aren’t the only game in town. You sitting here today are the same ones in your church, your alma maters, your children’s activities all depend on your leadership. BUT – because you are here at this meeting, I know that the Garden Club of Virginia is also a priority in your life. We are guardians of a special quality of life. Each of you club presidents has an enormous opportunity, for you are largely responsible as to whether your term in office has meaning for the group. People want more than mere pleasantries when they give their time today.” Betty closed with the words “I stand here in awe of the whole scene but with your help and understanding, I pledge it my best effort!”

~Betty Schutte, May 1996

When Pat Leggett passed the gavel to Betty Schutte May 17, 1996, at the Annual Meeting in Alexandria, she presented her with a President’s Survival Kit and remarked, “Betty has come a long way from winning a look-alike Shirley Temple contest in Emporia, Virginia, to becoming a successful businesswoman.” That comment would prove fortuitous as Betty navigated the complex finances and logistics of a major Kent-Valentine House construction project for much of her term. Note: Her survival kit included not only a pair of stockings for her glove compartment, but also a hard hat.