S P OT L I G H T
Playing a Part
P.E.O. Chapter EV-Anthem gearing up to host a fundraiser By Jordan Houston Coming on the heels of its 150th anniversary, a womencentric nonprofit is as committed as ever to celebrating female advancements across borders. The Iowa-based Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) Sisterhood boasts an impressive membership of around 230,000 members throughout North America and is dedicated to Donated by community vendors, raffle creating educational opporbaskets like the one pictured will represent various categories at an upcoming tunities for female students. meeting. Since its inception in 1869, Hands,” which was chosen by the nonprofit has awarded the state chapter’s president. more than $344 million in The theme, Caldwell explains, financial assistance to over speaks to the organization’s 109,000 recipients of its varyall-hands-on-deck approach. ing philanthropies. “It’s what we really try to And P.E.O. Chapter EVfocus on with everyone that Anthem, one of the organiwe talk to about P.E.O.,” she zation’s 6,000 local chapters, is doing its part in ensuring From left to right, Marella Reudinger, Kris McKinley and Becky Danenhower prepare a states. “Because we can’t do spread of food at a chapter meeting. (Photos courtesy P.E.O. Chapter EV-Anthem) any of this without the many the movement can continue selves to helpings of chicken chardonnay, of us.” to thrive. All proceeds from the event will go toThe branch of 40 women is gearing up salad, Boursin whipped potatoes, vegetato host a fundraiser on Monday, March 16, bles and chiffon cake paired with strawber- ward supporting six international projects and three state projects, Caldwell continat the Anthem Country Club’s Ironwood ries, all made fresh by the club staff. A cash bar will also be open during the ues. Country Club Ballroom from 10:30 a.m. The six philanthropies include ownergathering. to 2:30 p.m. The fundraiser will feature an hour of ship of Cottey College, a woman’s college With a goal of raising $1,500, the luncheon promises a day filled with food, fun bingo, complete with small prizes, and a offering baccalaureate and associate degree programs, and five programs that provide raffle drawing. and friendship. Donated by community vendors, the sev- higher educational assistance through “We’re all about women motivating and helping women,” P.E.O. Chapter EV-An- en raffle baskets range from $100 to $350 in scholarships, grants, awards and loans. “We give every year to not only our inthem President Lynn Caldwell says. “For worth, and represent categories like Christour normal fundraisers, we’ve usually had mas in March, Pamper Yourself Spa, Des- ternational projects, but to our base here in them in our homes and we provided the ert SW, spirits/snacks, Family Fun Wagon, Arizona,” Caldwell says. The group is focusing its efforts on helpfood—but this time we wanted to have an half-day Desert Ride UTV rental package event that our community could look for- for two, patriotic picnic and poolside fun. ing a Boulder Creek High School student The sisters will also work to incorporate pursue college. ward to.” The senior is a candidate for the organiFor $42 per ticket, guests can treat them- this year’s state theme, “Spirit of Many
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