‘Hitch Your Wagon’ winner announced

Lisa Phelps
Posted 10/23/24

WHEATLAND – The excitement has been building for the last two months among P.E.O. Chapter AW members and people in the community who’ve purchased raffle tickets for their latest …

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‘Hitch Your Wagon’ winner announced

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WHEATLAND – The excitement has been building for the last two months among P.E.O. Chapter AW members and people in the community who’ve purchased raffle tickets for their latest fundraiser: a deluxe portable wagon filled with four feet of Wyoming-themed goodies galore.
In the wagon included several hundred dollars of donated items, including the wagon which includes a top that can serve as a portable table and folds down into the size of a briefcase. Members of the P.E.O have sold tickets at several public events since September, and tickets were also sold at Interstate Gas Conoco Food Mart, The Wanderer on Gilchrist, The Wandering Hermit Books and Gifts.
“Everything we raised goes 100 percent to scholarships for local graduates,” Carol Cook said. She is president Chapter AW of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), based in Wheatland.
Cook explained the organization celebrates the advancements of women and focuses on assisting women receive an education through providing scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and as stewards of a women’s college (Cottey Collega in Missouri). The group also seeks to motivate women to achieve their highest aspirations.

Just before the drawing, one of the Hitch Your Wagon fundraising organizers, Vicki Johnston, announced the rough estimate of total sales was $2,735 – which includes $150 the group had set aside to purchase items for the wagon, but didn’t need to use. She said there were so many donations, they donated the $150 to the scholarship fund as well.
“It’s wonderful. This money will all go to local people in Platte County,” Johnston said.
With excitement built up in the room, the fundraising committee gathered with special guest, Wyatt Dunlap, Platte Valley Bank’s ag and commercial lender, who drew the winning ticket. A few minutes later, to the delight of the Chapter AW members gathered at their meeting, Dunlap brought the winner, Pam Hand, to the gathering.
Hand said she couldn’t wait to use the amazing wagon full of gifts. “I’m so excited,” she said, thanking the group before wheeling her prize home.
The Chapter AW P.E.O. has been in Wheatland since 1979 and has helped hundreds of local women and girls through their philanthropic efforts. They assist women of all ages to achieve their dreams of further education by providing loans, awards, scholarships, and sponsorships. The Hitch Your Wagon funding will be used as part of the Chapter AW Memorial Scholarship for Platte County high school senior or college students. Applications may be secured from high school counselors or from Memorial Scholarship Chairman, Shirley Shockley.
For further information on educational opportunities for women, visit www.peointernational.org or call Cook at 307-322-3967.
Don’t forget to set your calendars for the next fundraiser (this time from the sister P.E.O. Chapter R in Wheatland), the annual “Tour of Tables” to be held at the Agriplex on Sunday, Nov. 27. Tickets are available at Murel’s Great Treasures in downtown Wheatland.