Many people who still remain active in Fountain Hills were first introduced to the community by a woman named Evelyn Breting.

Evelyn made it her mission to get everyone involved in some type of activity or organization in Fountain Hills. She’d match up their skill sets or talents with a group in the community, and the rest was history.

Many times newcomers would make their way to the Community Center for one reason or another. Prior to the current Community Center being built, the center was located in the building that now houses the Fountain Hills Theater. Evelyn would take them under her wing and get them involved.

Evelyn had a unique laugh and a unique approach to life. She enjoyed it. She didn’t have any children or grandchildren, but she sure loved kids. She loved to get silly – remember those “Serendipity” events? She suffered terribly from severe rheumatoid arthritis and other medical issues, but Evelyn never complained. She would simply befriend another resident and get them to volunteer for something. Evelyn made Fountain Hills a much better place to live.

Evelyn passed away May 10, but her legacy will live on through the work and dedication of so many people in town who were mentored by her or recruited by her for some volunteer activity. What’s the best thing you could do for Evelyn right now – to keep her memory alive? Get involved! Join a club. Volunteer for something. Start a positive activity. Sing. Dance. Help a kid. Think outside of yourself.

And if you’re already doing those things? Keep doing them! Chances are you might have started doing those things years ago because of a special lady named Evelyn Breting.