Mark your calendars for April 26 as Chapter HC, P.E.O. Sisterhood — Carbondale’s chapter of an international philanthropic organization that helps women achieve their educational goals — is hosting a wine tasting benefit to make a difference in the lives of local high school girls. The event is happening at The Orchard Church from 5 to 7pm.
“We are helping these girls who are motivated and working so hard, and helping them realize their dreams,” said Meg Young, Chapter HC event chair. “The little bit we can do is so rewarding.”
The benefit is sure to be an elegant evening out. Sommelier Bryan Delendik will be pouring an international selection of exquisite wines donated by Main Street Liquors alongside a nonalcoholic mocktail courtesy of El Dorado. Attendees can dine on gourmet charcuterie boards and delectable desserts while being swept away by flutist Jennifer Gary and pianist Karen Tafejian, a classical music duo.
“We are a small group … It is amazing how much the community has come together to support us,” said Young. “Almost everything has been donated — all the wine was donated, the sommelier and the musicians are donating their time. It’s been a lot of work, but so much joy.”
The evening will also feature over 30 fabulous silent auction items. Notably, a six-night vacation in Hawaii and two nights at Beyul Retreat; original artwork by Chapter HC co-founder Jo Coffman; local eatery and beauty and wellness gift cards; and access to recreational activities including Aspen One ski passes, rounds of golf at Ironbridge and River Valley Ranch and Spring Pilates classes.
The philanthropic part of the evening will unfold as the night’s proceeds will directly benefit four high school senior girls — two from Basalt High School and two from Roaring Fork High School. To apply for the scholarship, the girls complete an extensive application that highlights their grades, activities and overall goals. The biggest criteria, however, is the girls’ mutual interest in sisterhood and philanthropy.
“We want to see that she wants to give back to her community,” said Melissa McBurney, Chapter HC past president. “We look at their recommendations and what kind of student she’s been and get an idea about her character.”
Since this is a P.E.O. Sisterhood scholarship, the girls receive lasting support. Paula Henderson, Chapter HC past president, said the chapter hosts an ice cream social for recipients, past and present, to connect and share advice. The girls also receive annual care packages and academic support to ensure success.
“The intergenerational relationships have been the biggest part for me,” said Jennifer Ellsperman, Chapter HC recording secretary and a former scholarship recipient. Upon joining Chapter HC, she recalled feeling warmly welcomed and inspired by this brilliant group of women. With her award, Ellsperman earned a master’s degree and became an accomplished school principal.
Vibrant philanthropic women
The International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood was founded in 1869 by a group of young women from Iowa Wesleyan College. The Colorado state chapter began in 1903 and now includes 240 chapters with over 10,500 active members. Chapter HC — Carbondale’s chapter — was founded in 1981 by Coffman, McBurney and Kristin Melsen and currently has 21 vibrant members.
At its core, P.E.O. embodies women supporting women as demonstrated by its results-driven commitment to motivate, educate and celebrate women. Since inception, the organization has awarded over $432 million in scholarships, grants and loans to more than 125,000 women, according to the international P.E.O. website. Recognizing that women’s dreams are dynamic, P.E.O. is nondiscriminatory.
“We also support trade schools, women who want to go for it, reach their dreams and make their lives happen,” said Young. “We support women in any way.”
For decades, Chapter HC has creatively generated funds through small fundraisers like selling butter braids, wrapping paper and tickets for Carbondale home tours and larger ones — namely the tea party and fashion show events. The wine tasting benefit is relatively new, but popular; the first one in 2022 quickly sold out.
“Our hope is to give each young woman a $2,000 scholarship and then carry them with $1,000 each year of their college career,” said Ellsperman. “We really need to start raising much bigger money to do this level of scholarship.”
The group emphasized that everyone should come to the benefit and learn more about the P.E.O. Sisterhood. “Any woman has the option of joining. It’s not just a select, fine group. Well, we’re actually really fine,” laughed Henderson. “But, if you’re moving to another community and you don’t know anybody, you can find a local chapter and get to know some incredible ladies.”
Visit buytickets.at/carbondalepeo for wine tasting tickets or to make a donation. To get involved with Chapter HC, P.E.O. Sisterhood reached out at carbondalepeohc@gmail.com