One Lutz family brings home annual quilt
By Kyle LoJacono
More than 2,500 people from 38 Florida towns, 14 states and four countries saw the 14th annual Christmas House at the Old Lutz School, but only one family could win the big prize.
Lutz resident Ann Parker won the raffle for the fifth annual Christmas quilt, a surprise she was not expecting.
“I just entered to help support the function,” Parker said. “It’s the first time we’ve come to see the house and it’s something special we’ll do in the future. It’s a good thing that everyone should see.”
Parker brought her two sons Charlie, 4, and Harry, 3, to see the house after hearing about how nice the display inside was.
While the majority of people who came to the house were from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, according to signatures in the guest book, many also came from Odessa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, New Tampa and many other towns in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Visitors also came from places like California, Canada, Denmark, Finland and Columbia.
The exact number of participants was not available as many people bought more than one ticket, but $290 was raised in the raffle. That money is going to the Citizens of the Old Lutz School to help maintain the nearly 85-year-old building.
“We need to replace two windows that were busted recently when some people broke in,” said Phyllis Hoedt, member of the citizens group. “It’s an old building and needs work to keep it for future generations.”
The quilt is made each year by Betsie Everett, who is currently working on the one for 2011.
