First, they were recognized for earning the Honor Club status, a recognition that signifies the club is doing everything right to ensure the continuity of the organization.
Next they received membership growth honors for adding nine new members and raising their club roster above 75 members. Member Kim Rye received a special pin from Immediate Past International President Mark Shriver as a thank you for sponsoring five new members.
And finally, and most deservedly, the club was honored for having the best newsletter in the district. I haven't seen the other newsletters, but I have seen theirs and I think it is great! Please take a look at the March 2011 edition of The Northender, the official publication of the Mechanicsville Optimist Club.
The newsletter is eight pages full of activities that indicate to me this club is a fundraising machine. In March, they are hosting a live and silent auction, a yard sale and a Texas Hold 'em Tournament. On April 2, they are hosting a Fantasy Night dinner and dance. They have raffle tickets for sale and share in ongoing fundraising with the McKays Community Rewards Program and a rebate to the club for Sandals Resort.
And guess what? In between all of that fundraising, they are hosting the Optimist International Essay Contest and a NOW (New Optimists Welcome) recruitment dinner; and they are planning a number of community service projects that include rehabbing a house for the Christmas in April program, a Halloween activity and Shop with a Cop at Christmas.
Congratulations to the Mechanicsville Optimist Club for your honors. Thank you for all you do to make your Optimist Club a vibrant, vital part of your community.
