The Optimist Club of Traverse City Creating an Optimist Future for Our Kids TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN OPTIMIST CLUB

What does it mean to be an Optimist? zDevelop Optimism as a philosophy of life zPromote an active interest in good government and civic affairs zInspire respect for law and order zPromote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship zAid and encourage development of youth

Why be an Optimist? zFellowship - join a group of men and women who truly enjoy working together to get things done for local youth zBe Informed - Stay in touch with the community through informative presentations from business and civic leaders zServe Youth - We are dedicated to responding to the special needs of youth in our community

Organization z The Optimist Club yBoard of Directors yExecutive Leadership yVarious Committees yOver 65 active members z The Optimist Youth Foundation yNon-profit 501C3 ySupports grants and donations to local youth programs yBoard of Directors and Executive Leadership

Planning for Growth zThree-year goals yMembership of 80, with average of 50 members attending weekly meetings yAttracting people with the time, desire, and resources to be active members yBecoming one of the top 3 community service groups in TC as measured by membership and impact on the community zStrategic planning process

Programs that make a difference

Our Community Venues, Programs and Activities We Support Annually zTraverse City Optimist Club Boardman River Duck Race zChristmas Shopping at Target – with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Child and Family Services – Boys and Girls Club, and More! zSaturday Outings, Pairing Mentors with underprivileged kids for a fun day, bowling, baseball, laser tag… zTraverse City Optimist Club Annual Youth Oratorical Contest zTraverse City Optimist Club Annual Youth Appreciation z Optimist Cabin Property - Picnic Pavilion and Nature Trails for Youth Environmental Education z NMC College Barbecue, Serving up food for a great cause z Adopt-A-Road. Keeping our area clean and beautiful for all to see z Salvation Army Bell Ringing z Traverse City Optimist Youth Foundation z Optimist International Foundation z Traverse Area Community Sailing - Boats and Sailing Programs

Traverse Area Community Sailing zKids have the opportunity to learn ySailing basics yTeamwork ySafety yRules zOptimists helped raise money for twenty Prams zOngoing support for TACS

Target Store Christmas Shopping zOptimist Members and Target help underprivileged kids selected by Big Brothers / Big Sisters, and Child and Family Services, shop for their siblings and parents on the Optimist budget. zTeaching Kids to Give!

Salvation Army Bell Ringing z Volunteers collect donations during holiday season

Youth Appreciation Day zAnnual recognition of elementary school children from over 14 area schools zRecommended by teachers and/or peers as leaders and excellent students

The Cabin Property - A unique opportunity z 44 Acre nature retreat z “Discovery Trail” - a self guided environmental trail z Unique outdoor classroom for students and teachers of Northwest Michigan z Property is available for class outings at no charge

Cabin Property Dedication zProperty and trail system was officially dedicated in Fall of 2000 zAvailable to various youth organizations for education and recreation

Oratorical Contest z Students write and recite a speech about a visionary topic z One boy and one girl are sponsored to compete at regional and national levels for scholarships

Fundraising, Supporting Local Youth Organizations and Their Causes zOptimist Boardman River Duck Race yMajor Optimist event of the year y100’s of participants and rubber ducks swarm the Boardman River yMany corporate sponsors join the support with corporate duck purchases and competition zChristmas Shopping Event yMembers from the Traverse City Optimist Club and the community pledge support for underprivileged kids to shop for family members yTarget Hosts the event and brings in Santa Claus for all to see

Community Service and Leadership zInteraction with community leaders zOpportunity to hone public speaking, leadership skills

Fellowship z Need we say more?

When do we meet? z Every Monday from Noon to 1:00 P.M. z Luncheon at Elks Club Lodge, 635 Bayview z The club is open to all adults who live or work in the Grand Traverse Area z Prospective members are welcome to attend

How do you become a member? zSponsorship by an active member zComplete an application zApplication reviewed and approved by the Board zMake a commitment to attend lunch meetings as regularly as possible zParticipate 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