Over the years, the Downtown Optimist Club has sponsored many activities including the annual Soap Box Derby, bicycle safety event and essay contest. On a large scale, the club was instrumental in the creation of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
Like all Optimist Clubs, the Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia gives special attention to projects that help children. "We focus on children because we feel like if we can help them early, they won't have problems later," said Gary Anderson, board member. "They will have a sense of who they are and what they're doing if we support them."
Additionally, the club gives attention to its members and the community by encouraging them to live by the Optimist Creed. For 75 years, they have always endeavored to be strong, optimistic, cheerful, and to bring those feelings to everyone they meet.