Super Kids are the focus of the Breakfast Optimist Club

In Quincy, Illinois, the Breakfast Optimist Club sponsors a Soap Box Derby.

Over the past three years, it has grown from 65 to 122 participants and enlarged from a 1-day event to 2-days.

The competition takes place at the 18th Street Hill near Bob Mays Park, and that is a perfect location to generate some speed and excitement for the Super Kids Soap Box Derby Competition.

Who are the Super Kids who take part?
Special needs children from local organizations.

According to race director Ray Wilson, Quincy, Illinois will soon be known as the epicenter for the Super Kids Soap Box Derby. Although the Derby is a fundraiser for the Breakfast Optimist Club's cancer fund, the Super Kids are not charged an entry fee. Local sponsors like Hy-Vee and Home Depot, among others, make it possible to treat the children to a great event and support another great cause. "This whole project sounds enormous to many," said Wilson, "but it is not difficult when people's hearts are in the right place."

Wilson went on to explain that many of these parents have difficulty involving their sons and daughters in sporting events. The Super Kids races are very positive event for them, the children and the community.

That's what being an Optimist Club member is all about: Bringing out the best in youth, our community and ourselves.

Photo: Michael Kipley

Bowling for a break

At Thanksgiving, we showed you Bowling for Turkeys.

For Christmas, we bring you bowling for a break. This glimpse into a little project by the Mendota Optimist Club is an example of how Optimist Clubs step up to engage children at times when they are looking for something to do, like Christmas break.

The Christmas holiday can be kind of long, or short, depending on your perspective. Keeping it full of fun activities heightens enjoyment.

This bowling and pizza party took place on December 30, 2015 and drew 134 children, 6-16 years of age. Buy pizza and offer free bowling; yes, it's just that easy to make a difference in your community when you belong to an Optimist Club.

Join an Optimist Club today. 

Photo: Jennifer Sommer, the Mendota Reporter

Bowling for turkeys

According to an article in the Courier Journal, Clarksville, Indiana, each year the Optimist Club buys turkeys for the community. That's not unusual; many Optimist Clubs buy turkeys at this time of year to distribute through various outlets like food pantries and kitchens, senior centers and schools, among other locations.

But the turkeys bought in Clarksville were headed to a less likey recipient: the Parks Department.

Guess what they were bound for? Turkey Bowling!

That's right, each year the Optimist Club buys the turkeys that are a centerpiece for the Gobbler Games, a day-long party filled with child-friendly (5 to 12 years of age) activities. In addition to throwing the turkeys towards the pins in turkey bowling, the kiddos passed mini-marshmallows on plastic spoons and carried balloons clenched between their knees in an effort to rack up points enough to win a large turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner.

Now that sounds like a fun day of optimism with the collaboration of the Clarksville Parks Department, the Clarksville Middle School and the Clarksville Optimist Club.

Photo credit: Jenna Esarey, courtesy of the Optimist Club

Happy to give

Did you know that Optimist Club members are happier giving away money than the groups that receive the assistance? Sometimes, and that certainly looks true in this great picture captured by the Halton Hills Optimist Club. 

In the photo, President Helen MacCormack presents a check for $1,570 to Jason Claringbold of the Halton Hills Mosquito Eagles Baseball team. Helen knows that her club's donation is helping young people develop into well-rounded adults by learning teamwork, sportsmanship and improving their physical wellness. 

More important, she knows that she and her fellow club members are serving their purpose of providing service to youth and community through the Optimist Club. That makes me smile too! How about you?

Photo courtesy of the Halton Hills Optimist Club.

Children fish for $10,000 prize money with Cocoa Beach Optimist Club

Nothing is better than fishing with children unless it also involves an Optimist Club and the beauty of a Florida beach.

The Cocoa Beach Optimist Club has been delivering a priceless family experience to the Space Coast community at Port Canaveral for 32 years. This year the Great Optimist Fishout takes place on April 25, 2015. Presented by Southeastern Honda, it will be another day for the memory books.

Children in four age categories will vie for $600 in prize money for the top three biggest fish by weight in each age group. However a bigger prize awaits beneath the water. One lucky youth angler and his or her family could win a big catch of $10,000. A specially tagged fish has been released and is available for the catch. It is insured by the Cocoa Beach Optimist Club.

See some photos and read more here about the Great Optimist Fishout. 

Little Dribblers show off their basketball skills

The Optimist Club of Brenham, Texas hosted a Fun Day on Saturday, January 10, 2015 to kick-off its Little Dribblers Basketball Program.

Little Dribblers consists of Freshman, Sophomore and Junior division players ranging in ages from 6 to 12.

For the Fun Day, the young athletes compete in their age division in dribbling and free throws.

During the basketball season, January 12 to March 4, each team plays once per week and each player must get at least two quarters of court time at each game.

That's one way that Optimist Club members bring out the best in children.

Check out all of the division winners here.

Photo courtesy of the Optimist Club of Brenham, Texas. 

A special fishing derby in Idaho

I belong to two Optimist Clubs. One is near where I live and I attend regularly and participate in nearly every activity coordinated by the Middleton Area Optimist Club.

However, my other club, the Jerome Optimist Club is two hours away. That's not a terribly long distance when you consider the rural state that is Idaho; however, it is too far for general participation, especially on weekdays.

On Monday, May 12, 2014, the Jerome Optimist Club put on one of its most cherished events: the Special Needs Fishing Derby. Sheri Mitchell, club president and activity manager, is shown here with the some of the participants. They're showing off their small catch of the day.

More than 100 fishermen and women were at this year's Fishing Derby. They were joined with at least 50 or more fishing buddies, adult volunteers who help the kids land their catch.

Clear Springs Foods supplies the trout and Idaho Fish and Game and Sportsman Warehouse help with supplies, and high school students assist with onsite activities; but it is truly the passion of the Jerome Optimist Club, and Sheri, that brings this remarkable event to life.

The kids appreciate it; the community appreciates it; and so do I. Great job my friends, the Jerome Optimist Club.

How to play baseball in Alamogordo

Donkey basketball? Seen it and done it way back in high school. However, donkey baseball is another story. I had never heard about it or seen it until the Alamogordo Optimist Club put on their most recent fundraiser while fielding grounders astride little burros. Even the Major League Baseball organization called out the club for it's uniqueness.

"Think fielding grounders is hard? Now try fielding grounders while on a donkey," said Matt Monagan at the Cut 4 blog. And that appeared under a classic headline, "There are people playing baseball while riding donkeys in New Mexico."

My rendition of their stories would not do justice to the sport. Please read more here:

Cut 4 Blog

Almogordo News

Way to make headlines Optimists! We love your spirit at the Alamogordo Optimist Club.

Bounce Fever in London, Kentucky

I often see Optimist Club projects that I want to "do at home." In other words, I want to take the idea to my Optimist Club and ask for volunteer members to be as excited about it as me. When we're all excited about something, we make it happen.

Of course, often times when I see a project, especially around the holidays - take the Oswego Optimist Club Pumpkin Races for example, we have to wait a whole year to make it happen. However, the project that I am highlighting today, playfully called Bounce Fever, can be done at any time of year. But putting it on when its cold outside, well that just makes it more fun. Kids love bounce houses and what could be better than a whole gymnasium full of them with unlimited access for a full day? 

Thanks to the London Laurel Optimist Club in Kentucky for the inspiration. I see Bounce Fever coming to a gym in Idaho very soon.

Conway Optimist Club shares football highlights

I'm sure that this video means more to the parents and players of the Conway Optimist Club youth football program than it will to most of my readers, but I couldn't resist sharing it here anyway. Over several days and through teams of different ages, the Optimist Club shares football highlights that includes completed passes, great blocks, superb running, and touchdowns.

One of the ways that Optimist Clubs make a difference in their community is to provide youth sports opportunities. The young athletes learn sportsmanship, discipline and even good health habits along the way.

Another way that an Optimist Club can make a difference is recognizing those kids for the things that they do. A video, uploaded to YouTube, that they can watch and share with their families and friends is the perfect way for those players to share their stories. And in our emerging and ever-evolving digital world, it is a way that will last well into the future.

The Optimist Ice Arena

The Optimist Club of Jackson, Michigan takes their hockey seriously and that's why they created the Optimist Ice Arena.

The Optimist Ice Arena is home to numerous hockey teams, but it's also open to the public with public skates scheduled throughout the week and on the weekend as permitting. It also hosts special events like Go Karts on ice and rentals for private parties.

But what I like most is the opportunity for mentoring and inter-generational activities between coaches, players, parents and Optimist Club members because that's what being an Optimist Club member is really all about.

Post by Optimist Ice Arena.

Hello there, trout

Four-year old James McCoy caught his first fish over the weekend. It was a 14-inch trout and the occasion was made possible by an Optimist Club.

The Optimist Club members of Buena Vista, Colorado were the hosts of the Annual Fun in the Park event that included the fishing derby. Local angler groups and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife helped sponsor the event and served as mentors for the young fishermen and women.

According to the Optimist Club, significant numbers to know from the event are:

• 122 kids went fishing
• 76 fish were caught
• 196 bags of chips were consumed
• 10 gallons of lemonaid were drank
• 220 hot dogs and buns were enjoyed by all

And at least one young man saw up close and personal just how scary a 14-inch trout can be. 

Story and picture courtesy of the Buena Vista Optimist Club.

Optimist Club spearheads splash pad project

The end of summer may be near, but some communities are still celebrating. That was the case in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, where the city and county came together with the Optimist Club to dedicate the city's new splash pad. 

It took nearly three years and multiple partners to raise the $750,000 necessary for the water playground and Friday, August 23, 2013 was an exciting day for all, especially the kids. 

“Opening the new splash pad park today makes it a great day for Fitchburg,” said Mayor Shawn Pfaff. 

“Through our collaborative efforts with the City, the Optimist Club and community residents, we have made the investment to build this important public amenity – just like our new library and our bike trails –to continue making Fitchburg an even better connected community for families and children from all walks of life for generations to come.”

The splash pad is located at McKee Farms Park. The idea came from the Optimist Club with President Joan Mohr spearheading the three year project. The time and effort has all been worth it. Optimists always perform projects that acknowledge or benefit kids and Joan says,  “Kids have always been special in my heart. I wanted to give kids of all abilities a special place to have fun and cool down in the summer. The splash pad project became a passion. May families enjoy it for a long time.”

Indeed. That's the reason Optimist Clubs do what they do - so families may enjoy their communities for a long time, perhaps forever.

Photo courtesy of the Fitchburg Optimist Club. See more about this story at connectfitchburg.com. 

Congratulations to the winners of #TheOPTIMIST Junior Golf Championships

John Mancinotti, Claudio Correa, and Corey Pereira 

The 2013 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships came to a close today and the top golfers have been awarded their prizes.

For boys 16-18 category, Corey Pereira, Cameron Park, CA, landed soundly in first place with 69-70-69-67 for a total of 275.

Following were Claudio Correa, Santiago, Chile, claimed second place with 74-71-68-71 and a total of 284. He eclipsed third place golfer John Mancinotti, Toledo, Ohio by only one stroke. Mancinotti posted 74-72-68-71.

Tiana Gwenn Lau, Victoria Chandra, and Coralia Arias

In the girls 15-18 category Coralia Arias, Quito, Ecuador, claimed first place with a four round total of 290 (74-69-73-74).

In second place was Victoria Chandra, Denpasar, Bali, with a score of 291 (73-74-73).

Tiana Gwenn Lau, Hong Kong,  finished in third place with 292 (71-76-73-72).

The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships are played annually in late July-early August. Approximately 600 junior golfers from around the world are welcomed to the tournament at PGA National Resort & Spa in Pam Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. While there are some at-large entries, most golfers have earned their place in the tournament by qualifying through district-level events with a local Optimist Club. To find out more, please visit Optimist.org/junior golf.

Photos courtesy of Optimist International. See more photos on Facebook. 

Optimists are rooting for Team Jack at the ESPYS

Optimist Clubs around the US and especially those in Nebraska are rooting for Team Jack today to win an ESPY award. ESPYS are the awards given by ESPN to recognize outstanding moments in sports that have been filmed in the past year.

They had an outstanding moment in Nebraska when 5-year old Jack Hoffman made a touchdown run in a game for the Cornhuskers during the spring.

A little over two years ago, Jack was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. While undergoing treatment, he became a fan of Nebraska football player Rex Burkhead. Rex, in turn, became a fan of Jack's and was instrumental in organizing a local chapter of Uplifting Athletes to raise funds for his cause. Rex also used Jack's name to lift his teammates spirits when they were down. "Jack's not giving up," said Rex, "and we're not giving up."

Late in the evening on April 5, Nebraska director of football operations Jeff Jamrog called the Hoffman residence to see if young Jack wanted to suit-up for the game the following day. The result follows in a dream come true for Team Jack.



After its first broadcast, the clip made its way through the talk shows and Jack and Rex were invited to meet President Obama at the White House. Perhaps the fairy tale will end at the ESPYs. Jack's TD run faces such other outstanding moments of the year as Andy Murray, the first Brit to win Wimbledon in 77 years; Alex Morgan scores the winning goal in the Olympic semifinal; and Chuck Pagano's return to the Colts.

Outstanding, all, but it's tough to beat a childhood cancer survivor. They're tough and they're optimists.

 Click here to cast your vote now.

It's another grand slam for Homer's Heroes

Homer's Heroes are some very special baseball players in Lincoln, Nebraska. Coordinated by the Lincoln Optimist Club, this program allows kids, ages 5-17, with special needs and varying disabilities to meet-up six times in the summer for their swing at America's favorite past-time.

According to Jeanne Cuda, Homer's Heroes Chairperson, the program has been around since 1992. It started with twenty participants and this year there were more than 100. She described what  a recent practice day was like by saying, "Often we'll have tears from the parents. They've been working so hard to teach their child how to throw a ball and it's a wonderful thing to see."

Watch this great video by Dave Polzin, reporter with Channel 10/11 - KOLN-TV and you'll see just how special this "League of Their Own" can be.

Varsity pride

Throughout the 2012-2013 school year, the Morning Optimist Club of Moreno Valley, California solicited donations from the community to purchase varsity jackets for student athletes who could not otherwise afford them at Moreno Valley High School.

Donations came from businesses and residents and enough was raised to purchase 18 jackets this year. Fundraising will continue to do the same for next year's student athletes.

For the student to receive a jacket, they had to maintain a 2.75 GPA. Shown here are the first six recipients. Their GPAs ranged from 3.66 to 4.7. Great job on and off the field!

Photo courtesy of George Price, President, Moreno Valley Optimist Club.

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!

Jerome Optimist Club takes 140 kiddos fishing

The Optimist Club of Jerome, Idaho has a few favorite projects. As membership has declined over the years, they've promised the community and themselves that there are some that are just too important to let go. They fear that no one would step up to fill the void in the community, plus, these particular projects make the children, community and Optimist Club members feel good.

Those special programs are Coats for Kids, Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, and the Special Needs Fishing Derby. 

The Special Needs Fishing Derby took place on Monday and more than 140 students came out to fish. They were met by volunteers, Optimist Club members, high school mentors and other volunteers, and treated to a day of catching some whoppers - up to 5 lb. trout - thanks to the Clear Springs Trout. Everyone went home with smiles and memories, thanks to the Optimist Club's promise to care.

Watch a video from KMVT here. 

Hollywood Optimist Club presents the Junior Blind Olympics

George Ohan, president of the Optimist Club of Hollywood shares his video production skills with a video of the Junior Blind Olympics 2013. The Optimist Club supports the program through the Optimist Blind Youth Association.

Youth, ages 6-19 , are invited to participate in the annual event where they will gain confidence, friendship, and a true sense of accomplishment through competition. All events are adapted and coaches are on hand to instruct along the way. No experience is necessary for the athletes.