The Craig chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization, PEO, will be hosting its first annual garden walk and luncheon Saturday in order to raise money for its local scholarship fund.

The self-guided tour will take participants through five local residents’ yards and gardens as well as through the arboretum. Kathy Shirley, chapter president, is excited for the event that she said is the first of its kind for the PEO.

“The gardens on our list are awesome,” she said.

Participants can tour the gardens from 10 a.m. until noon. The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Center of Craig and will include food made by PEO members.

“It’s going to be great fun,” Kathy said.

She hopes the money raised by the event — as well as the money raised during the annual Holiday Home Tour in the winter — will allow the organization to give two college scholarships to young women in Moffat County.

PEO gave out its first scholarship this spring to Hannah Beckett who will be attending Colorado Mesa University in the fall. Kathy hopes the $500 scholarship will give Hannah the ability to pursue the education and career of her choosing.

Hannah also received various college essentials and gifts at a dorm party thrown by PEO members on July 21.

PEO has been around for nearly 100 years — it will celebrate its centennial next June — and since its establishment has brought women together in order to advance women’s rights and education. Nikki McLeslie, a local member, said that women helping women is an important concept.

“It’s a way to build relationships and give back to the community,” she said.

PEO chapters span across the United States and Canada and include a wide variety of women each wanting to give back to their communities. Craig now has over 40 members, and Kathy said that new members are always invited to join.

Membership is not required to participate in the garden walk and luncheon. Tickets are for sale for $15 at the Craig Daily Press, Elk Run Inn, or the Kitchen Shop. Tickets can also be purchased from Nikki at 970-629- 8817. Tickets must be purchased in advanced. The PEO is also looking for homes to be on display during this year’s Holiday Home Tour.