In May 2022, Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Chapter AA of Merrill hosted a flower basket fundraiser. P.E.O. is all about women celebrating the advancement of women and educating women through scholarships, grants, loans, awards for continuing education, and stewardship of Cottey College. Founded in 1869 as a seven-member sorority at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, P.E.O. strives to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. The organization was originally rooted in the philosophy and institutions of the Methodist Church, actively promoting women’s rights and education in America during the 19th century.
Today P.E.O. is a diverse, community-based organization with nearly 6,000 chapters and more than 230,000 members in each of the 50 United States, District of Columbia and in six Canadian provinces, welcoming women of all races, religions, and backgrounds.
P.E.O. traditionally held an annual fundraising auction to financially support their projects but was unable to do so in 2020 or 2021 due to the pandemic. This year they decided to hold a flower basket fundraiser, the same thing they did in 2021, and they found sales increased substantially from last year. On the day people came to pick up their flower baskets, they made the day fun while sharing the beauty of the flowers and P.E.O. in Merrill.
In past years, Merrill Chapter AA has provided assistance to local women including Brooke Bushor, Bailey Iwen, Katie Purmal, and Jourdyn Mootz Koebe, and they recognize that was made possible by community support of their auctions, flower sales, and donations, for which they are thankful. For more information, go to: www.peointernational.org or contact local Chapter officers/members: Kathy Spencer, President, or Dawn Schroder-Silvela, Cheryl Schulz, Kay Smith, Carolyn Saunders, Polly Koebe, or Kelly Purmal.