Marshfield PEO chapters to celebrate 150 years
For the Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD – On April 23, the four Marshfield chapters will gather together to commemorate the founding of P.E.O. with their Founders Day celebration. This is a social gathering with no business meeting and a special original program highlighting the lives of each of the seven founding young women.
January 21, 2019 marked the 150th birthday of the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Marshfield’s four P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Chapters join the other 230,000 current members of P.E.O. from nearly 6,000 chapters across the United States and Canada in celebrating this historic milestone with their Founders’ Day Celebration on April 23.
Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 105,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $321 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans and the stewardship of Cottey College. Through membership, the P.E.O. Sisterhood has brought together nearly a half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education, while supporting and motivating them.
In addition to the educational philanthropies, The P.E.O. Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.
What started off with a bond of friendship among seven women in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, is now one of the oldest women’s organizations in North America. The P.E.O. Sisters in Marshfield stand on the shoulders of the generations of P.E.O. Sisters who came before them. Their dedication to the mission of women supporting women is just as relevant today. It is a cause that will continue to be relevant for the next 150 years.
P.E.O. has been a part of the Marshfield community since 1937. Among its yearly events include an annual Holiday Boutique in November with proceeds going directly to support women’s education.
To learn more about P.E.O. its powerful educational philanthropies and see stories of women who have benefited from the programs, visit peointernational.orq.
