It's really about friendship.

When sifted to its most basic elements friendship is togetherness, compassion, and sometimes, help. I think that's what draws women to PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization). They could just write checks to a favorite school or foundation, but this is more personal.

I shared lunch with the women of local PEO Chapter AG. No uniformity here; ages ranged from 30-something to lovely artist Marie Whitesel, a U of I graduate who proudly informed me she's 95. I recognized faces belonging to very conservative and very liberal minds. They share a camaraderie and commitment to helping women realize their potential through education.

"Education was always a great priority in my family and it was the key to my independence, both intellectually and financially. It is gratifying to assist other women as they find that path to a better life." - Kathryn Hunt, President, PEO Chapter AG

Founded in 1869 by seven students at Wesleyan College in Iowa, PEO has grown to a quarter million members in the U.S. and Canada. This sisterhood has helped nearly 78,000 women with educational grants ($35 million), loans ($125 million), and scholarships ($25.6 million). Another 8,200 women are graduates of PEO's Cottey College in Missouri.

Local PEO chapters - five in Kootenai County, whose annual Reciprocity luncheon is March 19 in Post Falls - are faith-based and raise funds for projects both afar and local, such as annual scholarships for North Idaho College students. Idaho's PEO members also support a retirement home in Caldwell.

PEO International funds five projects (and Cottey):

* Educational loans - Low interest loans for the last two years of coursework. Based on financial need, local recommendations.

* Peace Scholarship - For international students seeking graduate study in North America

* Continuing education - Need-based grants for returning students after a life interruption

* Scholar Awards - Merit-based scholarships for doctoral level degrees/research

* STAR Scholarship - $2,500 to a college-bound senior. Eligibility includes community service, 3.0 GPA, and local chapter recommendation.

For applications and information see Peointernational.org.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Sholehjo@hotmail.com