H.R. No. 319
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The H. E. Butt Foundation has made a positive
difference in the lives of countless Texans through its many
charitable endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1933 by Mary Holdsworth Butt and
Howard Butt Sr., the H. E. Butt Foundation has long focused on
improving literacy and mental health care, funding recreation and
camps, hosting ecumenical Christian retreats, and partnering with
other organizations that serve families and children; and
WHEREAS, Early on, Mrs. Holdsworth Butt addressed health and
opportunity disparities, and from 1955 to 1981, she served on the
Board for Texas State Hospitals and Special Schools in support of
mental health work; the second generation of leadership under
Howard Butt Jr., the founders' eldest son, continued to advocate
for mental and spiritual wellness and focused on furthering the
foundation's faith-centered programs; and
WHEREAS, The foundation is currently led by Mr. Butt's
daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Butt Rogers, who serves as a
trustee, and David Rogers, who serves as president and CEO; this
third generation of leadership has carried on the tradition of
youth and family development while expanding the foundation's scope
and reach, developing new initiatives in Leakey and San Antonio,
and investing in the environmental stewardship of the Frio River
Canyon; and
WHEREAS, Located at the canyon is the 1,900-acre H. E. Butt
Foundation Camp, which hosts more than 15,000 people each year,
with a special focus on serving youth and families who normally
would not be able to participate in retreat opportunities; other
foundation programs include the Outdoor School, which partners with
San Antonio public schools to help teachers and students experience
the outdoors, and the Laity Lodge in Leakey, which serves as a quiet
refuge where guests can reflect, pray, and participate in the arts;
and
WHEREAS, For nearly a century, the H. E. Butt Foundation has
helped young people and families in Texas cultivate their physical,
mental, and spiritual wholeness, and all those associated with this
esteemed organization may reflect with pride on their achievements;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the H. E. Butt Foundation for its
outstanding service to the people of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the foundation as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Virdell
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 319 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House