La Conner’s annual Autumn Auction & Brunch raises funds to help women pursue education, turning post-Halloween cheer into community support.
Nov. 1 is the date for the local Philanthropic Educational Organization’s annual Autumn Auction & Brunch fundraiser at Maple Hall, a festive gathering that traditionally kicks off the holiday season in La Conner. The doors open at 10 a.m.
La Conner area merchants and community members have donated a bevy of items to the event’s silent and live auctions, proceeds from which go to scholarships and programs that help women achieve their academic and professional goals and aspirations.
“We couldn’t do this without them,” La Conner P.E.O. member Carol McIntosh said, referring to the auction’s many local donors.
Tickets for the 2025 brunch and auction cost $38. McIntosh said ticketholders will be treated to the opportunity to browse more than 80 silent auction items ahead of the big live auction segment of the program.
McIntosh said the live auction will feature several boxes with contents valued between $200 and $300. One of those boxes will also include a $500 gift card, she said.
In addition, bidders will vie for an array of prizes ranging from a two-night stay at the luxurious Hotel Bellwether in Bellingham to ziplining on Camano Island.
McIntosh, who hails from the La Conner pioneer Wells family, is well-versed with the P.E.O.’s rich history. A sisterhood purposeful and passionate about helping women advance through education, P.E.O. was launched in 1869 — the year town founder John Conner arrived here — by a sorority at Iowa Wesleyan University.
By 1911, P.E.O. had extended into Canada, becoming a truly international entity. The La Conner chapter was launched in 2005. Its members immediately began its enduring campaign of celebrating, educating and motivating women.
“That’s our goal and that’s our mission,” said McIntosh. “We love working with one another. I admire every one of these women. They’re a joy to work with.”
Over the past two decades, the La Conner P.E.O. has supported women’s education locally and globally through scholarships and volunteerism. The chapter here awards scholarships to graduating seniors at La Conner High and provides funds for worthy projects near and far.
Local students seeking financial support are invited to write a letter of intent to the La Conner P.E.O. scholarship committee. Inquiries about scholarships or Autumn Brunch & Auction tickets can be made by email to peowajg@yahoo.com.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
