Optimist Fundraisers
Money raised through these fundraisers is deposited into the general fund of the club to fund various youth projects in the Chillicothe area.
Flag Day Donations
Date: June – Flag Day
Contact: Judy Scroggs
The Optimist Club sets up at various high traffic locations in Chillicothe giving out flags as a fundraiser for the club. Members are encouraged to volunteer for one-hour shifts.
Christmas Bonanza
Date: November
Contact: Sherry Adams
This event the Optimist Club members collect donations from local businesses and creates two or three grand prizes. Tickets are sold for $10 each for a chance to win over a $1,000 worth of gift certificates of the local businesses. Drawing is held same day of Toy Drive.
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.
Essay Contest
Date: February
Contact: TBA
The Essay Contest is open to high school seniors. The winner of the Essay Contest will receive a $250.00 scholarship.
5th Grade “Be Drug Free” Poster Contest
Date: Feb-Mar
Contact: Rosa McDonald
This poster contest is for 5th graders in the IVC District 321 School District.
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: March/April on the Saturday before Easter (Egg Stuffing is on Friday prior to event)
Contact: Bobbie Bisio
The Optimist Club supports the Easter Egg Hunt in City Park by helping local business person, Shirley Loser of Covered Wagon Crafts to stuff the eggs. 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.
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.
Toys for Christmas Collection and Distribution
Date: December
Contact: Mary Jo Moore
Optimist Club partners with Community Needs. The Optimist Club collects unwrapped toys from key locations withing the community and takes them to Three Sisters Park. The toys are distributed along with the Christmas Food Baskets from CNA to needy families in the area. Help is needed with the gathering and sorting of toys.
