Chillicothe Optimist Club

Optimist Fundraisers

Money raised through these fundraisers is deposited into the general fund of the club.

This money is used to fund various youth projects in the Chillicothe area.

5K River Run for Wellness

Date: May (Memorial Day Weekend)

Contact: Karl Belter

The annual 5K run has been an important part of the Optimist fundraising efforts for many years. Help is needed each year with various jobs (i.e. registration, traffic control). For more information on the River Run for Wellness, please go to www.chillicotheriverrun.com

Flag Day Donations

Date: June – Flag Day (weekend)

Contact: Judy Scroggs

The Optimist Club sets up at various locations in Chillicothe giving out flags as a fundraiser for the club. Members are encouraged to volunteer for one-hour shifts.

Art & Craft Show

Date: the day before Easter

Contact: Cyndi Kosinski

The club has an arts & crafts show in the Spring each year at IVC High School. Are you interested in renting booth space at the show? Contact Cyndi at cyndikos@gmail.com

Optimist Sponsored Activities

In addition to the fundraising activities, the Optimist Club also sponsors activities throughout the year. Listed below are some of the activities.

5th Grade “Be Drug Free” Poster Contest

Date: Feb-Mar

Contact: TBA – come to a club meeting!

Essay Contest

Date: February

Contact: Christy Crothers

The Essay Contest is open to high school seniors. The winner of the Essay Contest will receive a $250.00 scholarship.

Youth Appreciation Night

Date: March

Contact: Mark Kosinski

Area youth ages 11-18, are nominated by people in the community for their work with the community, volunteerism and leadership. On Youth Appreciation Night, held in March, all youth nominated are recognized at an assembly at IVC High School.

Easter Egg Hunt

Date: the day before Easter

Contact: Bobbie Bisio

The Optimist Club sponsors the Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast and Craft Show at IVC High School. Help is needed in many areas including stuffing Easter eggs, setting up for the day, and helping run the hunt.

Optimist of the Year Scholarship Award

Date: May

Contact: Mark Kosinski

Each year, one high school senior is awarded a scholarship at the IVC Awards Night.

Toys for Christmas Collection and Distribution

Date: December

Contact: Sandy Dunbar

Each Optimist Club collects toys and distributes them to needy families in the area. Help is needed with the gathering and distributing of toys.