Dr. Robert Raitz spent almost 50 years helping the school his widow Vivian says they were "blessed" to have in their lives.
So Vivian Raitz decided the best thing to do with some of her husband's woodwork was to sell it to help raise funds for the Learning Tree School.
Raitz stood in front of a table Sunday during the school's annual benefit yard sale displaying smoothly carved bowls, lamps and "free-form" sculptures. The yard sale raises money for the school's music program, library and technology needs. The school is supported by the Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“He would have been so pleased to have others enjoying his (his craft),” Vivian Raitz said.
Robert Raitz, a Dalton physician who died in February at 78, spent months working on some of his pieces, she said.
“He mainly concentrated on beautifully shaped roots,” Raitz said. “He made bowls out of tree trunks. He used a chain saw to cut the outside, then a smaller one to cut the inside. He must have had 60 bowls” at the time of his death.
Robert Raitz made tables and other items for the church, said Danette Tull, who organized the yard sale.
“He came to every program the school had” and helped support the school through donations of time and money, Tull said.
When he died, the family asked donations be made to the school in his memory. Approximately $5,000 was donated, principal Vicky Lauritzen said.
Robert Raitz served as the school’s board chairman several years ago. The couple sent their four children to the school, and their two grandchildren attended the school.
“We admire the school so much,” Vivian Raitz said. “We wouldn’t think of sending our them anywhere else. They weave morals in every subject. The school is a part of the church and part of the church family.”
There are 54 students enrolled at Learning Tree, which offers classes from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, Lauritzen said.
“We really want kids to develop a personal relationship with Jesus,” Lauritzen said. “If we give them good academics, they will be able to serve him in the best way possible.”
Local News
September 14, 2008
Raitz legacy flourishes
- Local News
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Kiwanis Club to try new fundraiser
The Kiwanis Club of Dalton has started a new fundraiser club members hope will supplement income for the group’s annual “Pancake Day” breakfast at Dalton Green.
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