P.E.O. Glendale Reciprocity Bureau recently held its Founders’ Day at the Elks Club in Glendale in celebration of the 155^th birthday of the organization. Glendale Reciprocity Bureau is made up of 11 Glendale chapters, each identified by letters. Two chapters from the Burbank Reciprocity Bureau also attended the festivities.  

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization that was founded by seven women at the beginning of the women’s movement in 1869. It has evolved into a sisterhood working toward a common cause in which 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.

Pat Steen welcomed 75 women to the Founders’ Day luncheon. Nancy Johnson, Chapter ES, gave the invocation. Mary Wickser, Chapter AH, Kristie Colegate, Chapter IH, and Pat Spencer, Chapter GD, presented a program describing the meaning behind P.E.O.’s objects and aims. 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 over 50 years. Recognition was also given to the Reciprocity and Chapter presidents followed by an opportunity drawing featuring 14 baskets of goodies with the theme A Legacy of Love. Ending the event, Dori Torrey, 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 www.peocalifornia.org.