The La Conner chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), which recently marked 20 years of local service, continues a legacy of supporting women’s education the international organization began more than 150 years ago.
And this local club is a true sisterhood.
Photo courtesy Riitta Morton
No men belong to the organization, however, two new members will be inducted in May, bringing the organization’s membership count to an even 50, possibly making it one of the larger non-profit organizations in La Conner.
The chapter includes people who share a passion for helping others, especially those pursuing educational and career goals.
Founded in 1869 by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College, P.E.O. now counts about 200,000 members worldwide. The nonprofit organization provides scholarships, grants, loans and awards to women, and owns Cottey College, a women’s college in Missouri. Globally, P.E.O. has distributed more than $400 million in educational assistance, supporting over 120,000 women.
“We like to say that P.E.O. is a place where women motivate, educate, and celebrate women,” member Linda Peterson said.
Locally, the La Conner chapter awards scholarships to women in the community, including graduating seniors from La Conner High School. Students seeking financial support can write a letter of intent to the chapter’s scholarship committee.
Last fall, members hosted their annual “Gifts Galore” brunch and auction at Maple Hall, raising funds for future scholarships. Community members and local merchants donated items that were auctioned off, helping provide what Peterson called “potentially life-changing resources” for local women.
“Community support is incredibly important,” she said.
The La Conner chapter also volunteers time for local events. When the group noticed they hadn’t been contacted about community service opportunities, they reached out to La Conner Thrives Association.
“We expressed concern that we weren’t being contacted to help with events in the community,” Peterson said. “Not long after, Gina [Torpey] called back and said that they needed volunteers for the pet parade.”
P.E.O. members jumped at the opportunity to help.
P.E.O. also assists the La Conner Rotary on a number of its projects. But they are eager to help with other special events around the community.
“A lot of people don’t know about P.O.E,” notes Peterson, “but our chapter is dedicated to the community. That’s our niche.”
Many members have stayed active since the chapter’s founding. Among them is past president MaryLee Killinger of Shelter Bay, one of several charter members still involved two decades later. More than 40 members recently gathered for a luncheon celebrating the chapter’s 20 years of service.
The celebration offered a moment to reflect, but the group remains focused on the future. With new scholarships to award and service projects on the horizon, the chapter welcomes others to join in.
“We are always looking for new members,” Peterson said. “And we know there are so many people here willing to get involved in serving the community.”
To learn more about joining the La Conner P.E.O. or applying for scholarship support, email peowajg@yahoo.com.
Bill Reynolds: bill@laconnercommunitynews.org. Bill is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
