By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette
On Aug. 12, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) held its 44th annual Style Show at The Captain’s Pick at Lake Panorama National Resort. The event was held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch hosted by The Captain’s Pick.
The P.E.O. Style Show is part runway, part fundraiser. Two boutiques, Pearls & Lace (407 State St., Guthrie Center) and Present Company (317 Broadway St., Audubon), provided five women with two outfits to model on the runway. Clothing from both Pearls & Lace and Present Company was available for purchase before and after the show.
Door prizes, a raffle and a silent auction were available for attendees. The P.E.O. Style Show is a fundraiser that collects donations to fund scholarships for women. Scholarships and loans, plus much more, are funds P.E.O. provides for women looking to obtain an education. Notably, the P.E.O. organization owns and supports its own college, Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, founded in 1927.
The theme of the chapter’s 44th show was “Americana,” featuring bright red, white and blue décor. This show was not only a milestone for the P.E.O. chapter, but it was also the chapter’s 125th anniversary. Chairperson Heidi Blomquist, along with Julie Tibbles and Nancy Clawson, chose patriotic décor to celebrate the anniversary of their chapter and the 250th birthday of the nation.
More than 200 people attended the fashion show. Among them were seven P.E.O. members who have served their chapter for more than 50 years including Ruth Owen of Guthrie Center. Karen Hawley, a former president of the chapter who has served for more than 50 years, was also present.
Models selected for the style show are current members of P.E.O., showcasing new fashion trends for autumn. Members who were part of the show included Jolene Goodman, Nancy Loeck, Joann Smith, Shanell Wagler, Linda Wendl, Maggie Armstrong, Paulette Chambers, Sheila Grambart, Shelli Larsen and Pam Shelton.
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