P.E.O. Record
Award Winning Ideas
On-Site Child Care Helps Keep Chapter Active & Vibrant
Click image to
enlarge.
The sisters in Chapter JP, Gainsville, Missouri, live in a rural area where our homes are spread throughoutthe county and even, for one,across the state line. Our sisters drive significant distances to gather for chapter meetings. The effort required might seem daunting, but because of our devotion to P.E.O. and to each other, we do make the extra effort, and we have a strong, vibrant chapter.
New challenges arose when our chapter experienced its own little baby boom—six babies were born within 13 months. What a joy it has been to have these young mothers take an active role in the work of our chapter! We see them as the future of our chapter and of P.E.O. Three of the five mommies pictured are chapter officers and are willing and excited to continue serving and moving up through the ranks. The other two are active on important committees and will eventually also become officers.
Finding babysitters was a problem. Several of the babies' grandmothers are also P.E.O.s, and finding sitters for our chapter meeting on Saturday morning turned out to be difficult. Our solution has been to hire a permanent sitter who keeps the little ones in the nursery while we have meetings in a church. About twothirds of our meetings are held in this central location, and the facilities make it easy to accommodate babies and toddlers. The young woman whom we've hired as babysitter is mature, experienced and capable. The mommies can come into the meeting knowing that their little ones will be in good hands.
To pay for this new expense, we've simply been "passing the hat," allowing everyone to chip in when they can to support an arrangement that allows our young women to be active and involved. This hasn't become a budget item-chapter fundraisers continue to raise funds solely for the P.E.O. Projects.
RESIDENT HUMORIST ADDS TO GOOD OF CHAPTER
Evelyn Reese, Chapter DB resident humorist
Chapter DB, Grand Rapids, Minnesota,is fortunate to have some very active long-time members. One of these members is Evelyn Reese, who has been a member for almost 40 years. Just as many chapters have embraced the new position of Technology Chair, Chapter DB has created the unique position of Resident Humorist. Holding the position is Evelyn, who brings a humorous story or two to each chapter meeting and presents it during 'Suggestions for the Good of the Chapter.' Mary Kay Jacobson, DB, Minnesota, says, 'Her stories truly do add to the good of our chapter! Evelyn 'radiates all light possible" with her storytelling talent.'
TOTE BAGS BENEFIT HOSPITALS PATIENTS AND P.E.O. PROJECTS
Jo Brantley, Emily Castrodale, Jan Midden, Jean Lunsord and Ginny Krauss sit surrounded by Chapter BK's completed tote bags
Jo Brantley, BK, Raleigh, North Carolina, started making tote bags with pillows for breast cancer patients at a local hospital. Several BK sisters join Jo and meet once or twice a month to make bags and stuff pillows. Those who don"t sew contribute by donating fabric. Several hundred bags have been made and donated to the hospital. Last fall a contest was held within the chapter. Each participant made a bag and members voted for their favorite bag with loose change. All the money was then sent to the winning member!s favorite P.E.O. project. This helps members to think outside the chapter and strengthens the chapter. Jo says, "There have been many happy, warm, loving and bonding days with the members. Each bag is full of love and hope for the recipients."
STYLE SHOW AND LUNCHEON A WINNING COMBINATION
Jane Hooper and Elizabeth Hooper worked at the silent auction portion of Chapter AV's fundraiser
Chapter AV, Corpus Christi, Texas presents a successful annual style show and luncheon. It started as entertainment for a reciprocity meeting, and has developed into a scripted, choreographed production. All chapter members are encouraged to participate by selecting one of the 13 committees to work on and by selling tickets. Chapter AV works with many area merchants who contribute door prizes. The event has become a wonderful community tradition as P.E.O.s from all five local chapters, including P.E.O. family members, scholarship recipients and BILs serve as models for the style show. Attendance numbered 250 and $7,000 was raised at the event.
MAGNETS DRAW ATTENTION TO P.E.O.
Chapter AN spotted their magnet on this car full of P.E.O's on their way home from an officers workshop
Soon after its organization in March of 2008, Chapter AN, Easley, South Carolina, realized they needed to find a project to raise money for the P.E.O. philanthropies. The members wanted a project to promote P.E.O. They designed a magnet—a 7-inch circle with a big white and yellow daisy inside and the letters P.E.O. over the top. Members cut all the magnets and are encouraging P.E.O.s to put one on their car and another on their refrigerator. The chapter took their magnets to the South Carolina state workshop and reciprocity and word has it "they sold like hotcakes." Designing and cutting the magnets was a great chapter effort and provided good camaraderie.