PEO brings Broadway to Bigfork to support women's scholarships
The Bigfork chapter of PEO, the Philanthropic Education Organization, is holding its first fundraising night on June 30 to raise funds for scholarships for women’s education on June 30 from 5-8 p.m. at Flathead Lake Lodge.
PEO Bigfork typically holds a women’s bridge luncheon to raise funds. But this year they decided to do something that more people could participate in, “An evening off Broadway — way off,” a Broadway themed dinner with six local caterers and live entertainment.
Steve Eckeles will perform Andrew Loyd Webber pieces and The Great Pretenders, a men’s quartet from the Glacier Symphony Choral will perform Broadway numbers.
Silent auction items have been donated by multiple local businesses for the event. Catering will be provided by Showthyme, Grille 459, Mosaic, The Raven, Vista Linda, and Buckaroo Bakery.
“I hope that between the ticket sales and auction items we could raise between four and $5,000,” Annie Gladden, treasurer of PEO Bigfork, said. “Everyone is donating everything. Celebrate is donating the linens and stage and everyone in the community has been amazing.”
Bigfork’s chapter of PEO is a group of about 50 local women who work with other branches of PEO to help women improve themselves through education. Founded in 1927, PEO even has their own two-year college in Missouri, Cottey College, which also has some four-year programs.
Bigfork High School 2012 graduate Hannah Rudolph received this year’s PEO scholarship for $800, and she’s not the only one to benefit from PEO. They also offer an educational loan fund, International Peace scholarship, merit-based scholar awards, a Star Scholarship, and a program for continuing education. All of which are specifically for women but can be used for anything to better themselves, not just four-year universities, but also beauty school, night classes and training.
“That’s why I got involved, PEO specifically gives to women and educational opportunities with every cent we make,” Gladden said.
Tickets are $25, advanced purchase only at Nancy O’s Interiors and Eva Gates or by calling Alda Pierce at 837-1151 or Betsy Platt at 837-1431.
For more information about PEO visit their website, peointernational.org or call Gladden at 756-4162 about attending one of their meetings.