LuAnne Navarra, P.E.O. Chapter FL Corresponding Secretary, submitted this report.
P.E.O. Chapter FL met in the home of Maisie Renkes on Tuesday, July 21, 2015. Renkes and co-hostess Doris Robertson served a refreshing and delicious strawberry dessert. The business meeting was led by Chapter FL President Jean Eggemeyer.
Following the meeting, a P.E.O. Convention Report was given by Chapter member Judy Johnson. Johnson served as delegate to the P.E.O. Illinois State Convention, held at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, IL, from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14. There she attended meetings, workshops, and a Remembrance Ceremony, which honored all Illinois P.E.O. Chapter members who passed in the last year. Johnson also enjoyed the Honors Luncheon with other Chapter FL members. Shown left-to-right are Lynn Knox, LuAnne Navarra, Johnson, and Judy Manchester.
Morrison Chapter FL was honored and recognized as an Anniversary Chapter, celebrating 75 years of existence, being organized in 1940.
On Saturday evening of the convention, a Projects Dinner was held. Johnson and the other chapter delegates were informed about the various activities within P.E.O. Projects this past year. As well, as several Projects and Cottey College Scholarship and Loan Recipients were recognized and honored at the dinner.
Once home, Johnson created a photo display highlighting the annual event.
P.E.O. is one of the pioneer societies for women and was founded on January 21, 1869, by seven students at Iowa Wesleyan College in Mount Pleasant, IA. Today, P.E.O. has grown from that tiny membership of seven to almost a quarter of a million members in chapters in the United States and Canada.
P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women; educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and stewardship of Cottey College; motivate women of all ages to achieve their highest aspirations.