P.E.O. Glendale Reciprocity Bureau recently held a Founders’ Day luncheon at the Elks Club in Glendale to commemorate the 155th birthday of the organization.
The Glendale Reciprocity Bureau is made up of 11 Glendale/La Cañada Flintridge chapters each identified by alphabetical letters. Burbank Chapters EO and ES sent representatives to the Founders’ Day event.
P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization that was founded by seven women at the beginning of the women’s rights and suffrage movement in 1869. It has evolved into a sisterhood working toward a common cause where women celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, and loans, and motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations. Scholarships are available for young women attending accredited colleges and women returning to higher education after being a non-student for several years. Applicants applying for scholarships do not need to be a member of P.E.O. or related to a member of P.E.O. The sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College, a liberal arts college for women in Missouri.
Glendale Reciprocity Bureau President Pat Steen welcomed 75 women to the Founders’ Day luncheon, and Nancy Johnson of Chapter ES gave the invocation. Mary Wickser of Chapter AH, Kristie Colegate of Chapter IH and Pat Spencer of Chapter GD presented the meaning behind P.E.O.’s Objects and Aims, and the program concluded with a Founders’ Day Celebration video highlighting the seven women founders of P.E.O.
Following lunch, Glendale Reciprocity Bureau honored the women who have been members of P.E.O. for more than 50 years. Recognition was also given to the bureau, as well as chapter presidents followed by an opportunity drawing featuring 14 baskets of goodies with the theme “A Legacy of Love.” Ending the event, Dori Torrey of Chapter FF-KU gave the benediction.
Women interested in discovering more about membership in the organization or students wishing to apply for scholarships can learn more at peocalifornia.org.
First published in the February 24 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
