Opti-Mrs. look forward to serving you

This story is a throwback to the 1960s and 1970s, when ladies didn't join mens clubs and that was okay. Instead, the ladies would form their own group, a shadow group if you will, that would meet to socialize and support the generous work their spouses were doing in the community. In Optimist Clubs, we called these wonderful ladies an Opti-Mrs. Club.

Imagine my surprise when I heard from the Opti-Mrs Club of Hopewell, Virginia that they were busy this week getting ready for a big fundraiser. On Saturday, January 22, they will serve up a big spaghetti dinner at the Hopewell Optimist Club, 1310 Lynchburg Street, Hopewell. For only $8 per person, participants can enjoy an Italian extravaganza with atmosphere, spaghetti, salad, bread, beverages and a very popular dessert bar.

The ladies share their special recipes and have a great deal of fun planning and putting on the event. The money they raise supports such things as the Massey Cancer Center, Red Cross, Special Olympics, the local hospital and nursing homes and other community outreach centers. They also sponsor two scholarships for graduating seniors each year.

Three of the original members still participate in the Hopewell Opti-Mrs. Club.  Charter member Connie Bartlett explained what the group was all about. She said, "The Hopewell Opti-Mrs. are dedicated ladies who help support the community through their fundraisers, work well together and support each other as best friends."

I don't know about you, but I find that statement priceless! Thank you ladies for what you do in your community.

If you live in the Hopewell, Virginia area, please support their fundraiser. Call 804.458.6948, 804.458.1868, or 804.458.8745 for more information.