The Oro Valley Optimist Club ("OVOC") began in 2002 and has been running strong ever since. What does an Optimist Club do you ask? In short, they "strive to bring out the best in kids." Though they are a "small but mighty" club, with current membership topping out at 25, they are incredibly active and support 12 different youth groups in our community.
Once a year they sponsor the very effective, not to mention fun, fundraiser "Scramble for Youth" Golf Tournament, this year to be held May 16, 2015 at the El Conquistador Country Club. If interested, you can register online through their website or print a form to mail. Other events include an annual Rummage Sale to support their ongoing projects such as Dispose-A-Med, Drug Awareness Day, Student of the Year Scholarship, and Optimist Junior Golf Tournament among others.
But perhaps my favorite Optimist worthy cause is the Pennies Campaign, which raises money for the University of Arizona Children's Cancer Care Center. The One Million Pennies for Childhood Cancer campaign does exactly that; collects donations via their website, or as many local businesses have done, displays canisters for donations, with all proceeds going toward the cause. If you would like to donate or know of a business that might be interested in displaying a canister more information can be found here.
One thing OVOC would like to see is membership expansion. I recently spoke with their president, John Klipstein, who informed me that unlike other "clubs" that are designed for networking and social gatherings, this is a club endeavoring to improve the lives of youth in our community whether that be through education, financial disposition, or even those orphaned or on their own.
"We are looking for good people who can donate an hour and a half of their time each month who are dedicated to improving the lives of youth."
Cheers to what sounds like a devoted and conscious group of people! If you are interested in donating to one of the above causes or if you would like more information about becoming a member of the OVOC please contact info@orovalleyoptimistclub.org.
---
Heather Nenadovich has lived in Oro Valley for 6 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona. She loves gardening, nature, art, and travel. Currently her two young children fill up most of her days (and nights) with chaotic bliss. Oro Valley favorites: memorial bench at the entrance of Romero Canyon Trail in Catalina State Park, Toscana Studio and Gallery, OV Fall Festival, the gumption and determination of OV residents!
No comments:
Post a Comment