It was suggested that some changes should be made, and we decided to try to help ourselves. Several projects were considered and future plans were made. In the Fall of 1970, the UPOA sponsored a State Invitational Pistol Match that attracted shooters from several states. Because there were no eating facilities in the vicinity, the auxiliary took over the job and made a substantial profit serving lovely lunches to hungry shooters. Like typical pigs, we no more than got our feet wet and we were in almost over our heads. For our next project, also in the Fall of 1970, we built, decorated and operated a booth in the First Annual Charity Bazaar at Cottonwood Mail in Salt Lake City. Numerous groups and organizations sponsor booths selling handicraft, hobby and home made items, baked goods and candies and compete with each other for the best decorations. The auxiliary booth sold numerous items donated by ladies of the auxiliary and attractive ceramics made by the Multiple Handicapped Center. It was a very rewarding experience for the girls who participated and the booth won a prize. Members of the Multiple Handicapped Center were very grateful for the help they received. Through this project, we learned of the needs of the Multiple Handicapped Center and the important role the Center plays in the lives of some of the most unfortunate and forgotten people in the Community. At about that time, the State Board of Education announced they were withdrawing their support, the United Fund reduced their support and the Center was in danger of closing. With more advance planning and preparation the auxiliary sponsored a booth in the Second Annual Cottonwood Mall Bazaar in the Fall of 1971. We were more successful the second time and again the booth took one of the prizes for decorations. The Third Annual Bazaar was more fun and more successful than before with many of the girls veterans of the previous two. Through our endeavors to help support ourselves we have not only reached that goal to a certain extent but have realized other benefits as well. Many of us have become better acquainted and closer to each other than was possible with the once a year association at convention time. We have experienced the warm feeling that comes front reaching across the State to help others who are in need. The films we were able to provide for some of the school children have, are and will continue to help with their pleasure and education. The children from all over the State who live in the State School in American Fork were grateful for our help. Our visit to them and those at the Multiple Handicapped Center with Santa Claus left many pleasant memories for both them and us. A tumbling mat for the handicapped is more than just a place to roughhouse and play. It provides them with a means of exercise that is so necessary when it is not easy to relax in any other way. In life, it is so rewarding to help others while we are helping ourselves. If we can encourage more ladies to participate with us in the future, not only will our own needs and pleasures be met building a stronger and closer organization, but our efforts will be appreciated by others who need and appreciate our assistance. In our world, there are three things that last forever; faith, hope and love. Faith in God, hope for tomorrow and the greatest of them all, love for each other. At this time, I would like to send a word of thanks on behalf of the auxiliary to each and every one of you across the State for the help you have provided in the projects over the last three years. Without you and your efforts, our organization would be nothing and without you our efforts would not have succeeded. Will you join me in a pledge to continue what we have started and treat ourselves and others to the pleasures of faith, hope and love - together. Bonnie L. Robinson, 1973 --- Bonnie Lee Larson Robinson "Bonnie Boo" The sun rose with Bonnie's birth on February 20, 1926 and set with her passing May 12, 2007. Bonnie was born, raised and attended school in Salt Lake City, UT graduating from South High School in 1944. She married William LaRay Robinson of Salt Lake City, UT on Christmas eve, Dec. 24, 1944. Every anniversary was celebrated with a traditional Chinese dinner and Bonnie presenting Ray with a bell. Bonnie Boo spent a lifetime teaching as a true master artist but was proudest of her sons and grand-children. Her artistic skill spanned numerous mediums and she was an accomplished marksman. Her lifetime of compassion for people and animals were hallmarked in her support for the handicapped and the handicapped-scouting program. Bonnie's contributions to the community include the Utah Police Officers Association Auxiliary (Past President), Daughters of the American Revolution, Civil Air Patrol, and numerous other civic and social organizations. But Bonnie will always be remembered for her overwhelming compassion for anyone in need. Preceded in death by her parents, Eric (Bessie) Larson, her son Bill, three brothers and a sister (Milo, Norman, Peck and Ramona). She is survived by her husband W. L. Robinson, her sons Norman D. (Lynda) and Dan E.R. (Chris) Robinson, sister Thelma Roberson, nine grandchildren, seven and one third great grandchildren and an extended family she loved dearly. |
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