Deborah Zarley Beres to Head Philanthropic Organization

Deborah Zarley Beres of Haddonfield was named 2012-13 New Jersey president of the international Philanthropic Educational Organization at a state convention last month.

P.E.O. is an international organization that has aided more than 88,000 women since its inception. It currently funds six projects, including 3 percent student loans for up to $12,000 for women pursuing college degrees; $2,500 grants for high school seniors; grants for women who need certificates or other educational enhancements to help support their families; $15,000 grants for Ph.D. candidates; scholarships for international graduate students and Cottey women's college in Nevada, MO.

The New Jersey P.E.O. is composed of 42 local chapters across the state and involves more than 1,400 active members. For information on P.E.O. projects, go to peointernational.org.