Our Projects

On June 8, at the historic Thalatta Estate in Palmetto Bay, Florida, the South Dade Women’s Veterans Alliance (SDWVA) hosted a fundraising fashion show.  

For nearly two years the Coral Gables Chapter of the DAR has committed to supporting SDWVA founder and veteran Julie Robison, and her team, for the innumerable and invaluable ways they provide advocacy, support and resources for veteran women. 

It has been an effort led by our chapter’s Veterans Chair, Mary Ellen Scherl.

Beginning with planning the event through to last minute details, as well attending as guests, our DAR sisters committed to making the evening successful and memorable.

The festivities began with a presentation of the colors by an all-female Color Guard, Mary Ellen gave a history of women in the military. Her speech was followed by the runway show. The models were local female veterans and the clothes were donated by Macy’s.

Prospective DAR member Gina Anderhub took charge of the party planning. Past chapter Regent Brenda Auer, newly-inducted chapter Regent Patrice Bravo and current Hospitality Chair Elizabeth Harvey volunteered to help Gina craft magnificent table decorations and generous giftbags. Gina orchestrated the magical moment of a butterfly release inspired by the event’s theme “let it go, walking in my freedom.”  

While great strides have been made since the days of Deborah Sampson, a woman who served during the Revolutionary War disguised as a man, our military women still struggle—not only while serving, but also once they return home. 

Our Coral Gables Chapter stands in solidarity with our female veterans. We know that many bare invisible wounds and have faced endless challenges returning to civilian life. We also understand how difficult it is to release the pain.

We are truly indebted to our female veterans for their service, their sacrifices, and for protecting our freedom and democracy. We hope that with the SDWVA, aided by our ongoing support, they will once again be walking in freedom.