2024 P.E.O. Flower Sale

In May 2024, P.E.O. Chapter AA of Merrill hosted a flower basket fundraiser. P.E.O. is a Philanthropic Educational Organization, where women celebrate the advancement of women and contribute to the education of women through scholarships, grants, loans, awards for continuing education, and stewardship of Cottey College. P.E.O. was founded in 1869 as a seven-member sorority at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and strives to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. The organization was originally rooted in the philosophy and institutions of the Methodist Church, which actively promoted women’s rights and education in America during the 19th century.
The sisterhood today aims to serve women worldwide and welcomes women of all races, religions, and backgrounds. It has evolved into a diverse, community-based organization with 5,632 chapters and approximately 197,000 members in each of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and in six Canadian provinces.
For the past three years local P.E.O. members have sold flower baskets as their primary fundraising effort to generate support for their projects.
Members said they had a fun day sharing the beauty of the flowers and P.E.O. with the Merrill area community and raised approximately $2,200.
Over the years Chapter AA has assisted local women with awards of various amounts for various purposes.
“We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has supported P.E.O. through the years,” P.E.O. members said. For more information, go to peointernational.org or contact any of their local Chapter officers: Kathy Spencer, President; or Kay Smith, Carolyn Saunders. Cheryl Schultz, Kelly Purmal, Mary Owens, or Laurie Johnston.