P.E.O.’s 2014 Bridge Fest winners announced

Pawhuska’s P.E.O. Chapter EM hosted its 6th Annual Bridge Fest on April 12 at the Methodist Church family Life Center. The theme “Bridge to Friendship” involved four-game contract progressive bridge where players progress on tables and change partners. The tournament kicked off at 10 a.m. Players were treated to a continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day. For lunch, they enjoyed a colorful array of salads and delectable desserts.

The abundance of attractive door prizes enabled each player to be a winner. Top winner was Dottie McCloud, of Bartlesville, who chalked up 5,430 points to earn the $50 cash prize.

First timer Jo Oertle, also of Bartlesville, came in second with 4,390 points and a $25 cash prize.

Lelabeth Wallace, of Bartlesville, endured the poorest hands but walked away with a great prize.

Margaret Steinberge, of Fairfax, won a beautiful basket as winner of the raffle. Janice West, of Barnsdall, won the 50/50 pot.

Velma Lemonnier, of Pawnee, ended up with the Deuce Prize which was a colorful basket filled with assorted goodies.

According to Bridge Fest Chair Betty Russell, “The deuce prize travels throughout the day. Whoever wins a trick with a deuce is awarded the traveling balloon. Lemonnier held the lucky balloon at the end of the day.”

Norma Sauer, of Bartlesville, was the first person to draw a hand with nine being the highest card. This bad hand earned Lemonnier a six-pack of Coca-Cola.

Dottie Allen served as official Bridge Fest ‘Rules’ person.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women and motivate one another to achieve their highest aspirations. P.E.O. provides women with scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardships of Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. P.E.O. offers opportunities for women seeking to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada. Bridge Fest is a P.E.O.-approved fundraiser that assists with these projects.

Approximately 8,300 women from all 50 states and 85 different countries have graduated from Cottey College since the first class in 1887. Cottey College has been owned and operated by P.E.O. since 1927.

More than 85,000 women have benefited from $210 million in financial assistance through P.E.O. Since 1907, more than $130 million has been provided through P.E.O.’s Educational Loan Fun. International Peace Scholarships total $27 million since 1949. Since 1973, P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education grants are more than $38 million while Scholar Awards are more than $14 million since 1991 and Star Scholarships are more than $1 million since 2009.