As part of my duties as Optimist International Vice President for the West Coast Region, I am also happily sharing tips for better communication via new media tools. My first opportunity was at the Arizona District - Optimist International 1st Quarter Meeting, October 17, 2015. Governor Brian Goldstien was especially interested in video and that led to a 20-minute hands-on video production segment in addition to the presentation on communications. We'll allow more time the next time around!
As you can see, I couldn't resist a nod to "Back to the Future." Here's my presentation.
Showing posts with label arizona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arizona. Show all posts
October 21, 2015
December 10, 2013
There was an optimistic shopping spree in Yuma
Optimist Clubs throughout North America have shopping trips on their lists of things-to-do before Christmas and many of them are taking children right along with them for the experience.
In Yuma, Arizona, Optimist Club members were up early on Saturday, December 7, for the annual holiday shopping spree. Children are take to the local J.C. Penney where they have $125 to spend on warm clothes for the season. They usually take about 30 kids each year, and this year, many individuals in the community donated $125 so that they could take one more.
Watch the video here.
In Yuma, Arizona, Optimist Club members were up early on Saturday, December 7, for the annual holiday shopping spree. Children are take to the local J.C. Penney where they have $125 to spend on warm clothes for the season. They usually take about 30 kids each year, and this year, many individuals in the community donated $125 so that they could take one more.
Watch the video here.
October 21, 2013
Make sure the message you send is the one you want to be heard
The Arizona and California South Districts of Optimist International held a combined district meeting this past weekend, October 19-20, 2013. It took place in Yuma, Arizona and Optimist International president-elect Ken Garner was in attendance. According to newspaper reports, he was there to speak about "how the philanthropic organization can carry out its mission of serving youth."
Unfortunately, the article in the Yuma Sun didn't really explain how the organization accomplishes its mission and the reader is left uncertain what Garner's proposed actions for the future might be. It clearly stated, however, that one of the biggest challenges for the organization is attracting new members. During the presentation, Garner further explained that individuals in the Gen-X and Millennial Generations are a priority for the organization to recruit.
This kind of message always concerns me. Yes, recruiting young adults is important; and yes, recruiting members is a challenge for any service organization. But really, do you want to tell that to the newspaper reporters?
Once aired, that message can take one's mind and writing in many different directions. An unfortunate result might include an exposé about declining memberships in service clubs and their lack of relevance in today's society, the very rumor that we in leadership positions work courageously to dispel.
Gaining media attention is important. Scoring an article, with pictures nonetheless, is what public relations is all about. However, delivering a message that furthers your cause is critical. Instead of creating awareness about a deficit, the speaker must explain how that void will be filled.
Based on what was said at the meeting as described in the Yuma Sun, I think the message delivered should have been, "Optimist International values a diverse membership, made up of individuals of all ages. Knowing that those in the Millennial and Gen-X generations need an extra push to be involved in service clubs, we've created the $30 under 30 program. The $30 under 30 program makes it easier for young adults to volunteer their time with an Optimist Club."
Optimist International delivers leadership training through the district meeting format. In that setting, it is appropriate that real concerns, like membership, come to light; but it is equally important that plans be made to address concerns. When bringing together such a unique and caring set of leaders, one must listen to them, talk to them, and open channels for two-way communication to take place. Most of all, one must respect that the answers to most questions that trouble the organization probably lie within such groups and understand that they will take what they heard at the meeting and share it through their local channels at home.
If you tell them that membership is declining; that is what they will believe and report. If instead you tell them that membership will be increased through particular strategic methods, they will believe that, report that, and work to make it happen.
Photo credit: Yuma Sun
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| Ken Garner, President-elect, Optimist International speaks in Yuma |
This kind of message always concerns me. Yes, recruiting young adults is important; and yes, recruiting members is a challenge for any service organization. But really, do you want to tell that to the newspaper reporters?
Once aired, that message can take one's mind and writing in many different directions. An unfortunate result might include an exposé about declining memberships in service clubs and their lack of relevance in today's society, the very rumor that we in leadership positions work courageously to dispel.
Gaining media attention is important. Scoring an article, with pictures nonetheless, is what public relations is all about. However, delivering a message that furthers your cause is critical. Instead of creating awareness about a deficit, the speaker must explain how that void will be filled.
Based on what was said at the meeting as described in the Yuma Sun, I think the message delivered should have been, "Optimist International values a diverse membership, made up of individuals of all ages. Knowing that those in the Millennial and Gen-X generations need an extra push to be involved in service clubs, we've created the $30 under 30 program. The $30 under 30 program makes it easier for young adults to volunteer their time with an Optimist Club."
Optimist International delivers leadership training through the district meeting format. In that setting, it is appropriate that real concerns, like membership, come to light; but it is equally important that plans be made to address concerns. When bringing together such a unique and caring set of leaders, one must listen to them, talk to them, and open channels for two-way communication to take place. Most of all, one must respect that the answers to most questions that trouble the organization probably lie within such groups and understand that they will take what they heard at the meeting and share it through their local channels at home.
If you tell them that membership is declining; that is what they will believe and report. If instead you tell them that membership will be increased through particular strategic methods, they will believe that, report that, and work to make it happen.
Photo credit: Yuma Sun
August 10, 2013
Men's night out
I'm trying to decide if I like this program or not. An event targeted for men only seems a little bit sexist, but either way, raising more than $21,000 for youth serving projects is awesome! Great job, Yuma Optimist Club.
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| Somerton Youth Center receive donation from the Optimst Club |
Following a 35-year tradition, the Yuma Optimist Club recently held "Continental Night." Men are invited to attend and for their $300 entry fee they are treated to an evening that includes a steak dinner, games and prizes and a drawing for a car. In years past, the car given away was a Lincoln Continental, hence the name of the event; but this year, the club opted to give away a Ford Mustang.
And it was certainly successful. One hundred and twenty men were in attendance. One lucky individual walked away with a new car and two youth-serving organizations received the generous donations courtesy of the men's night out.
Splitting the $21,000 bounty from Continental Night were the Somerton Youth Center and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. According to Optimist Club spokesman Chris Townsend, these particular youth clubs provide outstanding youth mentoring and offer access to opportunities like no other. “These organizations are creative and afford a productive venue for our children to excel and grow as they participate and use what they learn at these programs in their everyday lives at home and school," he concluded.
Both sound like great partners for an Optimist Club.
Photo courtesy of the Yuma Optimist Club.
June 14, 2013
Summer fun in Tucson means a trip to the pool
The Foothills Optimist Club of Tucson has donated more than $15,000 to the youth swimming program with the Marana Parks and Recreation District. Their giving continued yesterday, June 13, 2013, when they gave away 100 summer swim passes to area youths.The kids began lining up early for a chance to claim their ticket to summer fun. The award was made official with a presentation to Mayor Ed Honea.
But the Foothills Optimist Club's support of swimming and the children of the Tucson area doesn't stop there. On July 20, 2013, the club will return for a fund raiser at Breakers Water Park. For a donation, adults can participate in an evening of dancing, gambling, and yes, swimming, should they so choose.
Find out more and register here to attend Splashjack Tournament 2013.
I think this sounds like fun. Perhaps a trip to Tucson is needed!
February 4, 2013
70 years strong in Tucson
There are 24 Optimist Clubs serving the southern Tucson, Arizona area. On Saturday, February 2, one celebrated its 70th Anniversary.
The governor of the Arizona District, Dean Gibboney, is shown presenting a certificate to club president Brian Goldstein and the Tucson Optimist Club members.
In true Optimist Club fashion, the club celebrated with a dinner, dance, and silent auction. The auction, of course, is earmarked for community service projects that benefit children. That's optimism!
Thanks to Jim Smith for the photo.
Congratulations to the Tucson Optimist Club for achievement and thank you for your many years of service.
The governor of the Arizona District, Dean Gibboney, is shown presenting a certificate to club president Brian Goldstein and the Tucson Optimist Club members.
In true Optimist Club fashion, the club celebrated with a dinner, dance, and silent auction. The auction, of course, is earmarked for community service projects that benefit children. That's optimism!
Thanks to Jim Smith for the photo.
December 5, 2012
Pennies for kids
The Optimist Club of Oro Valley, Arizona has made another donation to the UMC Pediatric Oncology Department from their progressive Pennies for Kids Cancer Fund Drive. Each year, the eighteen members of the Oro Valley Optimist Club donate approximately $15,000 to the cause.
The latest check, $5,621, will be used to purchase MP3 players for the children undergoing treatment. The idea is to make the child's stay in the hospital more enjoyable, explained Don Cox, club president. This amount represented $4,600 raised in the community and a $1,000 Cure Childhood Cancer grant from the Optimist International Foundation.
Thanks to the Oro Valley Optimist Club for the picture and story.
The latest check, $5,621, will be used to purchase MP3 players for the children undergoing treatment. The idea is to make the child's stay in the hospital more enjoyable, explained Don Cox, club president. This amount represented $4,600 raised in the community and a $1,000 Cure Childhood Cancer grant from the Optimist International Foundation.
Thanks to the Oro Valley Optimist Club for the picture and story.
May 21, 2012
It's an optimistic life
Cathie Smith LoCicero moved to Scottsdale, Arizona last year and immediately set to work to start up a new Optimist Club. Reaching out through social media channels that included Facebook and Meetup, in conjunction with her positive outgoing personality, the Old Town Scottsdale Optimist Club was born.
Not quite five months later, this club is honored to announce that two students from contests sponsored by the Old Town Scottsdale Optimist Club are winners of the district level event and $2,500 scholarships. Cathie announced on her Facebook page, "TWO winners at Arizona State Optimist District scholarship awards. Our Isaac M won for his fantastic Oratorical presentation on his troubled youth & comeback & Victoria S for her heartfelt Essay on how one person can make a difference!"
I am especially touched by this accomplishment because without this club, these students may not have had the chance to compete and excel. I've watched Cathie engage with her community; her enthusiasm is contagious. She shares optimism every day. Congratulations to all on your success.
Not quite five months later, this club is honored to announce that two students from contests sponsored by the Old Town Scottsdale Optimist Club are winners of the district level event and $2,500 scholarships. Cathie announced on her Facebook page, "TWO winners at Arizona State Optimist District scholarship awards. Our Isaac M won for his fantastic Oratorical presentation on his troubled youth & comeback & Victoria S for her heartfelt Essay on how one person can make a difference!"
I am especially touched by this accomplishment because without this club, these students may not have had the chance to compete and excel. I've watched Cathie engage with her community; her enthusiasm is contagious. She shares optimism every day. Congratulations to all on your success.
January 21, 2012
They learn to love, laugh and live with optimism
Travelling to other Optimist Districts is always a pleasure for visitors get to experience the hospitality and traditions of a slightly different culture. Yes, we are all united under the Optimist International umbrella, but the programs we choose to conduct and the way they are organized often differ slightly, if not greatly froem club to club and district to district. I've heard it likened to speaking with a different dialect.
One of the highlights of my trip to the Arizona District was to witness first hand the truly engaging Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some districts have abandoned this program. Others struggle to get three contestants so that a scholarship may be granted from the Optimist International Foundation and there are a few that have developed relationships within the deaf community and have multiple entries. The Arizona District is one of the latter.
To accommodate the number of participants, they hold regional contests in order to advance 9 speakers to the District finals. These 9 students were remarkable in every way. Stories of feeling different and excluded led to stories of perseverance and ultimately optimism. Each speaker gave their presentation with just a little bit of levity and loads of optimism confirming that they are endowed with unique talents and a strong voice - a voice that is only assisted by their hands.
The Arizona District is so committed to the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), they have created a scholarship fund at the district level to match awards granted by the Foundation. This ensures that participants for every communications contest has the opportunity to achieve the same honors.
Being from a district that is working hard to advance this program, I was truly excited by their commitment to the program and how they embrace and encourage the students to excel. I've often been one to take baby steps to get a program going, but I think in this case a more successful route might be to go as big as possible. The deaf population is small enough that individuals may be cloaked inside a mainstream program and those baby steps may not reach as many as quickly as needed.
One of the highlights of my trip to the Arizona District was to witness first hand the truly engaging Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Some districts have abandoned this program. Others struggle to get three contestants so that a scholarship may be granted from the Optimist International Foundation and there are a few that have developed relationships within the deaf community and have multiple entries. The Arizona District is one of the latter.
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| Students participating in the Arizona District - Optimist International Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
To accommodate the number of participants, they hold regional contests in order to advance 9 speakers to the District finals. These 9 students were remarkable in every way. Stories of feeling different and excluded led to stories of perseverance and ultimately optimism. Each speaker gave their presentation with just a little bit of levity and loads of optimism confirming that they are endowed with unique talents and a strong voice - a voice that is only assisted by their hands.
The Arizona District is so committed to the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH), they have created a scholarship fund at the district level to match awards granted by the Foundation. This ensures that participants for every communications contest has the opportunity to achieve the same honors.
Being from a district that is working hard to advance this program, I was truly excited by their commitment to the program and how they embrace and encourage the students to excel. I've often been one to take baby steps to get a program going, but I think in this case a more successful route might be to go as big as possible. The deaf population is small enough that individuals may be cloaked inside a mainstream program and those baby steps may not reach as many as quickly as needed.
January 18, 2012
A job well done
Tom led with distinction adding seven new Optimist Clubs to the district roster and achieving approximately 10% net new membership growth. That's very impressive anytime, but even more so in our slow economy. He and his team of leaders and members are well deserving of being named number one.
Last year was an odd year for organization statistics for Optimist International. Then International President, Danny Rodgers insisted that deletions would not count against the districts for recognition purposes resulting in a number of governors earning awards for less than 100% achievement. It's difficult to try something new and he took a lot of heat for his decision. This year, with direction from the Board of Directors, things have returned to normal.
Of course, most of us don't do what we do for honors and awards.We do it because we really believe that we make a difference through our involvement with Optimist Clubs and in Arizona, I know that is true. In fact, the Arizona District has added two new Optimist Clubs this month.
So how are they starting so many clubs when others are struggling? Their model takes the opportunity for a new Optimist Club directly to the schools and engages adults who are already interested in helping children reach their full potential. An Optimist Club provides insurance, scholarships, and fundraising opportunities that the school, parents, teachers and students would not otherwise have. It's an easy sell, but one that takes great coordination, time and passion to implement.
I can't wait to say congratulations to Tom and the Arizona District - Optimist International in person.
July 14, 2011
Optimists encourage safe disposal of prescription meds
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| Dispose-A-Med flyer, Oro Valley, AZ. |
The Optimist Club provides outreach and community awareness for the Dispose-A-Med project that is coordinated by the Oro Valley Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other community partners include the SOBER Project, Meth Free Alliance, Fire and Wastewater Districts of Oro Valley. They invite private citizens, schools and businesses to participate too.
It's a simple project: Bring your unused or expired prescription and over the counter medications and we will dispose of them properly. ("We" refers to the law enforcement agency.)
The Oro Valley Optimist Club hosts the drop-off station on many scheduled and advertised dates during the year. They also offer free blood pressure screening and pharmacists and student pharmacists are on hand to answer any prescription questions that participants may have.
Law enforcement agencies are holding Dispose-A-Med programs across the country. The Optimist Club involvement helps generate more awareness for potential dangers to children, like "pharm parties" where the price of entry is something from your home's medicine cabinet. Kids find and share prescription drugs that they find for free at home.
The project also allows opportunities to partner with law enforcement in keeping our children safe and encouraging respect for law.
During the 2011 Optimist International Convention the Board of Directors heard from Don Cox and Oro Valley police Sgt. Amy Sloane about the Oro Valley Dispose-A-Med program. The Board referred the program to the Programs Committee for further review.
*Optimist Clubs are autonomous and can perform projects that they feel are needed in their community. Some projects, like the Optimist Oratorical and Essay Contests, receive support from Optimist International. If this program is adopted, such support would be provided to all clubs.
May 3, 2011
Optimists recognize Tucson area first responders
On April 28, the Optimist Club of Casas Adobes, Arizona held its third annual First Responders Recognition Dinner. As one might imagine, this activity took on special meaning as the community and entire country had recently witnessed their expertise in the tragic Arizona shooting that injured Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, wounded thirteen others, and claimed the lives of six including a nine-year-old girl.
Dan Marries, anchor with Channel 13 KOLD, Marana, Arizona and a member of the Casas Adobes Optimist Club, created the video tribute and posted it on the KOLD page on April 29. He also emceed the event. Please click on the link to read more and see those honored by the Optimist Club.
One of the purposes of Optimist International is to inspire respect for law. Optimist Clubs choose to do this in a way that is meaningful to their community. First responders seem like a natural fit for the Casas Adobes Optimist Club as they are a hands-on group, at the ready to serve. The home page of the Casas Adobes Optimist Club even explains this as they "insist on being physically involved" with activities they support and that is a very commendable trait. Thank you for your service.
Dan Marries, anchor with Channel 13 KOLD, Marana, Arizona and a member of the Casas Adobes Optimist Club, created the video tribute and posted it on the KOLD page on April 29. He also emceed the event. Please click on the link to read more and see those honored by the Optimist Club.
One of the purposes of Optimist International is to inspire respect for law. Optimist Clubs choose to do this in a way that is meaningful to their community. First responders seem like a natural fit for the Casas Adobes Optimist Club as they are a hands-on group, at the ready to serve. The home page of the Casas Adobes Optimist Club even explains this as they "insist on being physically involved" with activities they support and that is a very commendable trait. Thank you for your service.
April 6, 2011
Teach a kid to fish
"It's time to untangle those fishing lines, dust off the bobbers and load up on bait," claims Alexis Bechman, Reporter, Payson Roundup.I couldn't agree more. The Fifth Annual Kids Fishing Festival in Payson, Arizona is just the first of the popular fishing events to make it to my inbox. As summer approaches, there will be many more.
What I enjoy most about this fishing event are the pictures. Please click here for the headline photo taken by Max Foster for the Payson Roundup. Those kids are what being an Optimist Club member is all about.
Teaching children to enjoy simple pleasures is often overlooked, but with a fishing derby, children get active, they are outside with adults and mentors; and they are joyful. Never doubt that smile of amazement when the fish is landed. Teach a kid to fish and they will understand patience and wonder throughout their life.
Visit the Rim Country Optimist Club for more pictures from the 2010 event and information about the 2011 Kids Fishing Festival on April 9.
February 9, 2011
Optimist Clubs participate in "Tuscon Has a Heart" Campaign
Compassion, courage, and heart: that is what an Optimist Club is all about so the Optimist Clubs jumped wholeheartedly into the project. They are recruiting volunteers and are acting as part of the coordinating team.
Volunteers wearing red shirts will make up a giant human red heart on the the field. The design requires 12,500 individuals, and others may be seated in the bleachers. Only 20,400 people will be admitted to the free event. Donations for the Community Food Bank are appreciated.
The Tuscon Has a Heart Campaign will take place on Sunday, February 13 at Hi Corbett Field. The stadium will open at 11:00 a.m. and the photograph will be taken from the air at 2:00 p.m.
Photo credit: KVOA.com - Please click to read "Tucson Has a Heart" event going for record-breaking gathering.
Thanks to the Casas Adobes Optimist Club for the story.
October 15, 2010
Rim County Optimist Club to hold lip sync fundraiser
Attention high school students: This fundraiser is giving away money! If you win the second annual Lip Sync Contest organized by the Kiwanis, Rotary and Optimist Clubs of Payson, Arizona, you may just win $1,000.
The contest will be held on February 27, 2011 at the Payson High School. It is open to all high-school aged students who attend public, private or home schools. For full details, please contact Joan Young, Rim County Optimist Club, (928) 472-2264.
More than 300 people attended the first contest. In addition to an evening of entertainment, everyone could participate in a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle. All money is donated to scholarships for students in the Payson School District.
So why is this club announcing their fundraiser so early? According to Ms. Young, Public Relations Chair for the Optimist Club, they are announcing the contest early so that the students have time to choose a song, prepare a costume and practice. There are also a limited number of seats for guests so don't wait too long to reserve yours.
The contest will be held on February 27, 2011 at the Payson High School. It is open to all high-school aged students who attend public, private or home schools. For full details, please contact Joan Young, Rim County Optimist Club, (928) 472-2264.
More than 300 people attended the first contest. In addition to an evening of entertainment, everyone could participate in a silent auction and a 50-50 raffle. All money is donated to scholarships for students in the Payson School District.
So why is this club announcing their fundraiser so early? According to Ms. Young, Public Relations Chair for the Optimist Club, they are announcing the contest early so that the students have time to choose a song, prepare a costume and practice. There are also a limited number of seats for guests so don't wait too long to reserve yours.
October 2, 2010
Oktoberfest is a major fundraiser for Optimist Clubs in Tucson
Along with the usual German food and drink, festivities include 100 Arts and Crafts Booths, a children's play area and entertainment all weekend long. Money raised at this event supports the community through the projects conducted by the area Optimist Clubs. On Thursday, all admission fees are donated to the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.
Click here to visit the Tucson Octoberfest website and learn all about how the Optimist Clubs entertain the communities they serve.
Click here to read about Oktoberfest in the Tucson Citizen.
July 21, 2010
Being a friend of youth
Optimist Clubs often find causes or segments of the population that get special attention. In Pinal County, Arizona, the Sunrise Optimist Club of Casa Grande are giving special attention to children in foster care.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Optimist Club has provided an evening of fun at foster family night at the Casa Grande Aquatics Park. They reserve the facility and offer a swim party and pizza night for foster children and families and children in group homes. Judges, county personnel, CASA volunteers and advocates join them.
As of this writing, there are 566 children in the foster care system who have been neglected, abandoned or abused by their families. Efforts like this give the kids something to look forward to especially the siblings who have been separated from one another due to the system.
The Sunrise Optimist Club doesn't stop with the party. When the children go home, they leave with a backpack full of school supplies to help them be ready for the coming school year.
The project draws community-wide awareness to the foster care program and encourages others to be involved by donating or providing assistance and care to the children who fall under the court system's supervision through no fault of their own. But for the Optimist Club, it's just another way to be a friend of youth.
As of this writing, there are 566 children in the foster care system who have been neglected, abandoned or abused by their families. Efforts like this give the kids something to look forward to especially the siblings who have been separated from one another due to the system.
The Sunrise Optimist Club doesn't stop with the party. When the children go home, they leave with a backpack full of school supplies to help them be ready for the coming school year.
The project draws community-wide awareness to the foster care program and encourages others to be involved by donating or providing assistance and care to the children who fall under the court system's supervision through no fault of their own. But for the Optimist Club, it's just another way to be a friend of youth.
April 3, 2010
Fishing brings smiles to all
Spring brings sunshine and outdoors activities. Some of the most inspirational outdoor activities I have seen recently are Optimist Club fishing derbies.
The Optimist Club of Atascadero, California has planned three fishing derbies this year and the first was held last weekend at Margarita Lake. According to Optimist Club member and fishing enthusiast Del Bishop, the club wantto make kids happy. “I love fishing, and I’ve always been interested in getting kids involved,” Bishop said. “Kids fish for life and learn patience and respect for life at the same time. The main thing is it’s a way for kids and family to spend time together; the day lasts four hours, so that’s at least four hours kids and parents are together.”
Also last weekend, the Rim County Optimist Club of Payson, Arizona held their fourth annual fishing festival, a cooperative effort with the parks and recreation department at Green Valley Lake.
The fishing is free, the equipment and food are provided and the smiles on the children are big. Please click on the links to enjoy the pictures.
Atascadero News in PDF.
Payson Roundup in PDF.
The Optimist Club of Atascadero, California has planned three fishing derbies this year and the first was held last weekend at Margarita Lake. According to Optimist Club member and fishing enthusiast Del Bishop, the club wantto make kids happy. “I love fishing, and I’ve always been interested in getting kids involved,” Bishop said. “Kids fish for life and learn patience and respect for life at the same time. The main thing is it’s a way for kids and family to spend time together; the day lasts four hours, so that’s at least four hours kids and parents are together.”
Also last weekend, the Rim County Optimist Club of Payson, Arizona held their fourth annual fishing festival, a cooperative effort with the parks and recreation department at Green Valley Lake.
The fishing is free, the equipment and food are provided and the smiles on the children are big. Please click on the links to enjoy the pictures.
Atascadero News in PDF.
Payson Roundup in PDF.
March 2, 2010
Mesa Optimist Club barbecues for Sunshine Acres 50th Anniversary
Sunshine Acres in Mesa, Arizona celebrated their 50th Anniversary on February 28 and the Mesa Optimist Club was there to help.
Sunshine Acres is group home for children whose parents are drug addicts and alcoholics. About sixty children live n site. One of their greatest accomplishments is using animal therapy to help the children open up, build self esteem and social skills. They partner with the 4-H Program where the children can also learn to work with larger animals like horses and steers.
For their part, the Mesa Optimist Club prepared 2,200 lbs. of barbecue beef for a fundraiser for the home. They hoped to rais $24,000 for the nondenominational group home that runs on grants and donations.
See all about the fantastic day in the East Valley Tribune.
Sunshine Acres is group home for children whose parents are drug addicts and alcoholics. About sixty children live n site. One of their greatest accomplishments is using animal therapy to help the children open up, build self esteem and social skills. They partner with the 4-H Program where the children can also learn to work with larger animals like horses and steers.
For their part, the Mesa Optimist Club prepared 2,200 lbs. of barbecue beef for a fundraiser for the home. They hoped to rais $24,000 for the nondenominational group home that runs on grants and donations.
See all about the fantastic day in the East Valley Tribune.
January 8, 2010
From Arizona to Afghanistan with love
Arizona is where you can really experience optimism this week! This next story highlights 82-year old Dick Turley's efforts with the Yuma Homefront Optimist Club. Together they are reaching across the globe to help families of deployed soldiers stay in touch.
Mr. Turley and the Optimist Club have refurbished and redistributed about 400 computers to families who have made their need known to a military liaison. With the restored computers the families are able to communicate via email, voice and web cam with their loved ones overseas. While the Optimist Club generally doesn't interact with the families during their calls, they did happen to catch one soldier at the internet station in Afghanistan as he spoke with his daughter for the first time in many months. Mr. Turley recalled, "Janie came running over to me, wrapped her arms around my leg, and looked up at me with her shining eyes and says I've got my daddy back."
Another project with a global reach. Thank you Mr. Turley and your Optimist Club.
Find out how you can donate your old computer to the Yuma Homefront Optimist Club.
Mr. Turley and the Optimist Club have refurbished and redistributed about 400 computers to families who have made their need known to a military liaison. With the restored computers the families are able to communicate via email, voice and web cam with their loved ones overseas. While the Optimist Club generally doesn't interact with the families during their calls, they did happen to catch one soldier at the internet station in Afghanistan as he spoke with his daughter for the first time in many months. Mr. Turley recalled, "Janie came running over to me, wrapped her arms around my leg, and looked up at me with her shining eyes and says I've got my daddy back."
Another project with a global reach. Thank you Mr. Turley and your Optimist Club.
Find out how you can donate your old computer to the Yuma Homefront Optimist Club.
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