The Moose Jaw Chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) is once again hosting their fall Roast Beef Fundraiser on Oct. 17, and tickets are already available to purchase.
PEO member Crystal Froese is looking forward to the event, as each year the banquet features a great meal and an impeccable silent auction of items donated by local businesses.
“It's one of those kinds of events that have just gone on for years because of the close connections with the people,” said Froese.
The supper is where the Moose Jaw PEO raises the majority of funds for their initiatives, which provide grants and scholarships to women pursuing any post-secondary education.
Froese admits that she feels not many people know about the PEO here in Moose Jaw, despite the fact that the chapter has been active for over 70 years. Their volunteers do most of their work out of the spotlight, collaborating with schools and individuals to put together scholarship applications and organizing fundraisers each year.
But she would love for more people in the community to understand what Moose Jaw’s PEO is doing to help women of all ages pursue their educational aspirations.
“We have been very, very successful in having, I would say probably 99 per cent of our applications accepted, out of the ones that we actually put forward,” said Froese.
PEO offers several different scholarships for both new high school graduates, women pursuing continuing education, and those pursuing additional education. Some of the funding options offer up to $15,000 in scholarship money.
“That's what the financial support that we provide goes towards, is helping those women move forward and into whatever career that they're looking for, through education,” said Froese.
The supper fundraiser is an annual event, hosted every year at the Heritage Inn. It always sells out. Tickets are $35 and attendees can reserve a table for the evening and enjoy the event, knowing that all proceeds will stay in Moose Jaw to help local women.
“If there's people out there who really feel strongly about supporting an initiative like this, they should certainly come and get tickets and have fun with us,” said Froese.
Tickets can be purchased from any PEO member of the local chapter, or by contacting Crystal Froese at (306) 631-2995. There is also a Facebook event set up, which people can use to request tickets as well.
