Bank of Nevada makes P.E.O. donation for Christmas Tree

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

The Mesquite branch of Bank of Nevada has been decked out for the holidays. And in doing so, the local branch has provided support to an important cause.

The branch purchased a festive 7-foot tall Christmas tree from the P.E.O. Chapter AM of Mesquite as part of a “Christmas in the Trunk” fundraiser held by the organization back in October. The branch donated a check in the amount of $350 to the organization and the elegantly decorated tree was set up in the branch last week.

“It is a beautiful tree and we are thankful for the P.E.O. organization and all that they do!” said Dan Wright of the Mesquite Branch.

P.E.O., which stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization, is an international sisterhood that celebrates the advancement of women; helps to educate women through scholarships, grants, awards and loans; and motivates women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Founded in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 116,000 women pursue educational goals by providing over $383 million in financial aid for education. The sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College, a liberal arts school for women located in Nevada, Missouri.

The organization has significant assistance to local women. “The Mesquite Chapter AM has provided $30,000 in educational assistance to some 30 local area women through the Joan Bacso Scholarship,” said local chapter member Barb Zanoni. “This scholarship was established in remembrance of our chapter’s founding sister, Joan Bacso.”

Zanoni said that many of these scholarships had been awarded to outgoing graduates of Virgin Valley High School over the years. But the program reaches beyond just graduating seniors, she said.

“We also award assistance to more non-traditional students like single moms going back to college after a few years out of school,” Zanoni said. “Also trade programs like cosmetology school is included. Really it is any advancement toward continuing education for women that we are interested in.”

Zanoni expressed appreciation to the local Bank of Nevada for the support of the P.E.O. mission.She said that the October fundraiser handicraft sale, which was held at the Methodist Church parking lot, had been a great success for the organization. But they had a tough time selling the Christmas tree that was displayed there.

“On the last day of the sale, when it didn’t look like anyone was going to buy it, I called the local branch of Bank of Nevada,” Zanoni said. “We do a lot of banking with them, so I asked if they would be interested in buying the tree. They said that they would go through the process of gaining approval on it, and they did. We really appreciate their support.”