A celebration of service

Service clubs in Kirksville, Missouri came together on Tuesday, November 24 to celebrate their commitment to service in the community.  This year the Kirksville Optimist Club  hosted the annual event.  Other clubs participating were Kirksville Women of Today, Kiwanis International of Kirksville, Rotary Club of Kirksville, Quota International of Kirksville, Sojourner's Club, and Kirksville Thousand Hills Rotary Club.

The clubs come together annually to share fellowship, stories and accomplishments and to outline goals for the future.  "This is an opportunity for everybody to get together and just be happy about what we do," explained master of ceremonies and Optimist Club member Scott Meredith.

We're happy about what you do too.  Thanks for sharing your commitment with others

Optimist Club holds craft show fundraiser

Brand loyalty - that's what you hope to achieve when you establish any event, but especially a fundraising event.  And that is just what has happened for the Optimist Club of Windsor, Colorado.  For thirty years, the Optimist Club and the Quality Quilters of Windsor have combined forces to coordinate the best community craft show around.  This year 88 vendors helped them attract more tha 2,500 patrons by 10 am on opening day. 

There are a lot of other craft shows to attend, but according to Paula Bjorli of neighboring Loveland this is the best one. “I clipped the information on it out of the paper a month ago and saved it so I wouldn't forget it,” she said. “I've been coming here for many, many years. I just like it.”

In addition to collecting exhibitor fees and lining up sponsors, the clubs also share in the $2 entry fee from attendees. It's a simple way for the community to donate to the nonprofit efforts of the Optimist Club.

Santa to help raise money for Childhood Cancer Campaign

The Optimist Club of Bismarck, North Dakota is offering Breakfast with Santa on December 5 at the Bismarck Civic Center.  Co-sponsored by the Bank of America, the event is a fundraiser for the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.

Children and adults can enjoy breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  The donations are $5 for children and $8 for adults.  All children will receive a gift from Santa.  Tickets can be purchased at the Bank of America Center. 

Helping students achieve more in school

The Santa Rosa Education Foundation in Gulf Breeze, Florida has partnered with the Gulf Breeze Optimist Club, Mediacom Communications and Gulf Power Foundation to provide grants for teachers that will assist them in supporting student engagement and achievement.

Fifteen teachers in Gulf Breeze received awards and 134 teachers in the county shared the $33,500 treasure.

Helping students achieve success in schools is just one way that Optimist Clubs members bring out the best in children. 

My Thanksgiving wish: Please share the spirit of Optimism

Inspiring optimism is my favorite thing.  Sharing stories and experiences so that others can learn, grow and do more is what makes our world compassionate and progressive.  This one-minute video is a perfect way to pass the spirit of optimism forward.  Please share it with your friends.  Optimism...pass it on. 

The Foundation for a Better Life is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization also known as Values.com.   They are privately funded and non-commercial. Their sole objective is to promote positive values, using print and broadcast media.

Young optimists honored by Winter Haven Optimist Club

One hundred and fifty elementary school students were treated to a special day courtesy of the Optimist Club of Winter Haven, Florida as part of Optimist International's worldwide celebration of Youth Appreciation Week.  Four teachers joined the students representing 75 schools in the community.

Following the "do the right thing" model, these students were recognized for being "good kids."  According to program chairman Larry Powell, the Optimist Club was not looking for straight A students or acclaimed athletes.  They wanted to recognize students that often go unnoticed, but are good citizens who do the right things every day.

The special treat for the students was a motivational presentation from two guest speakers: Rick Dantzler who spoke about literacy and reading and Otis Anthony, Senior Director of Diversity Management with the Polk County School Board who made a dramatic speech about being an eagle. "When you are an eagle, you are a beautiful person, a magnificent person and you can soar," he explained. 

Donna Kelley, a reporter with newschief.com was on hand to record the events. Please read her account of the activity in the great online article here.  The picture was taken by George Aycrigg of the News Chief. 

Youth Appreciation activities

The most traditional Optimist Club Youth Appreciation celebrations recognize students for good grades, extracurricular activities and attitude.  Here are some Optimist Clubs that recently received some excellent press coverage for their recognition of students in their community. 

In the Niagara Falls area, twenty-seven students were recognized.

In Azle, Texas, students from ten area schools were honored. 

In Alamogordo, New Mexico, the Mayor's Youth Council were given kudos.

In Council Bluffs, Iowa, eighty-five students were given recognition.

More celebrations are going on in communities throughout the world.  Watch your local newspaper and send us your stories!