First P.E.O. Chapter forms in Del Norte

Education for women chief aim of group

First row, left to right: P.E.O. members Jennifer D. Wellman, Loma Dies, Sherrie R. Yabu, Linda Ging, Anita Janis, Mary Ellen Silva, Kathleen Tomko. Second row, left to right: Cathleen Woodward, Lise Hamilton, Sandy Cady, Gwen Killops, Sue Anderson, Linda Sinclair. Third row: Cheryl Leonard, Polly Cameron, Mary Ann Allen, Sue Chambers, Holly O. Austin, Karen Smith Sayer, Ann Leon. Submitted by Linda Ging

Throughout the region, five active P.E.O.’s began the process of organizing, and on April 14, the California State Officers officially organized the new chapter. P.E.O.s from chapters in Oregon and California attended the celebration. 

Educational opportunities for women is the primary philanthropy of the P.E.O. and the organization is clearly making a difference in the lives of women all over the world.

More than 85,000 women have benefited from P.E.O. educational grants, loans, awards, special projects and stewardship of Cottey College.

To date, P.E.O. has awarded Educational Loan Fund dollars totaling more than $130 million, International Peace Scholarships of more than $27 million, Program for Continuing Education grants of more than $38 million, Scholar Awards of more than $14 million and P.E.O. STAR Scholarships of more than $1 million.

In addition, approximately 8,300 women have graduated from Cottey College, which is located in Nevada,  Mo. Each state offers many other scholarships and grants to the women of their state.

One week after organization, Chapter XV sponsored its first social/fundraiser when the Tall Ships arrived in the Crescent City Harbor.

More than 70 guests from Curry County, Josephine County and Del Norte County toured the Tall Ships and then gathered at the Chart Room restaurant for a pirate-themed Mystery Dinner Theater and silent auction.   

Chapter XV is eager to recruit qualified women candidates for scholarships.  For information please contact Education Chairman Cheryl Leonard at 707-464-0015 or President Linda Ging at 707-464-6938.