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The Optimist Club of Traverse City Creating an Optimist Future for Our Kids What does it mean to be an Optimist? Develop Optimism as a philosophy of life Promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs Inspire respect for law and order
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The Optimist Club of Traverse City Creating an Optimist Future for Our Kids
What does it mean to be an Optimist? • Develop Optimism as a philosophy of life • Promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs • Inspire respect for law and order • Promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship • Aid and encourage development of youth
Why be an Optimist? • Fellowship - join a group of men and women who truly enjoy working together to get things done • Be Informed - Stay in touch with the community through informative presentations from business and civic leaders • Serve Youth - We are dedicated to responding to the special needs of youth in our community
Organization • The Optimist Club • Board of Directors • Executive Leadership • Various Committees • Over 65 active members • The Optimist Youth Foundation • Non-profit 501C3 • Supports grants and donations to local youth programs • Board of Directors and Executive Leadership
Planning for Growth • Three-year goals • Membership of 80, with average of 50 members attending weekly meetings • Attracting people with the time, desire, and resources to be active members • Becoming one of the top 3 community service groups in TC as measured by membership and impact on the community • Strategic planning process
Traverse Area Community Sailing - Boats and Sailing Programs Koins for Kids Fundraising - Child and Family Services Bicycle/Roller Blade Safety Classes Christmas Shopping at Target - Big Brothers/Big Sisters Optimist Cabin Property - Picnic Pavilion and Nature Trails Michigan Special Olympics for Challenged Youths Adopt-A-Road NMC Barbecue Lyle DeYoung Scholarship - Northwestern Michigan College Boy’s and Girl’s Club Respect for Law Day Salvation Army Bell Ringing Baseball Boosters Traverse City Youth Ballet Sponsor Traverse City Optimist Youth Foundation Optimist International Foundation Community service programs and grants
Traverse Area Community Sailing • Kids have the opportunity to learn • Sailing basics • Teamwork • Safety • Rules • Optimists helped raise money for twenty Prams • Ongoing support for TACS
Koins for Kids • Raise money for Child and Family Services program • Collect nickels and dimes • Saturday Front Street program • Optimist Pink Pig • Program has enjoyed tremendous growth
Target Christmas Shopping • Optimists and Target help kids, selected by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, shop for their siblings and parents • Target donated $1,500 for 25 children
Salvation Army Bell Ringing • Volunteers collect donations during holiday season
Youth Appreciation Day • Annual recognition of elementary school children from over 14 area schools • Recommended by teachers and/or peers as leaders and excellent students
The Cabin Property - A unique opportunity • 27 Acre nature retreat • “Discovery Trail” - a self guided environmental trail • Unique outdoor classroom for students and teachers of Northwest Michigan • Property is available for class outings at no charge
Cabin Property Dedication • Property and trail system was officially dedicated in Fall of 2000 • Available to various youth organizations for education and recreation
Oratorical Contest • Students write and recite a speech about a visionary topic • One boy and one girl are sponsored to compete at regional and national levels for scholarships
Fundraising • Annual Bowl-a-Thon • Major Optimist event of the year • Over 75 bowlers participated • 16 corporate sponsors • Koeze nut sale • Sales at Golden shoes during the holiday season
Community Service and Leadership • Interaction with community leaders • Opportunity to hone public speaking, leadership skills
Fellowship • Need we say more?
When do we meet? • Every Monday from Noon to 1:00 P.M. • Luncheon at Elks Club Lodge, 635 Bayview • The club is open to all adults who live or work in the Grand Traverse Area • Prospective members are welcome to attend
How do you become a member? • Sponsorship by an active member • Complete an application • Application reviewed and approved by the Board • Make a commitment to attend lunch meetings as regularly as possible • Participate in one youth service project and on one committee
Join the Optimist Club of Traverse City, and help us... Create an Optimistic Future for Our Kids