Benchmark Club Projects

January 2017 - Twin City Area Optimist Club's Headstart Christmas Parties

The Twin City Area Optimist Club loves giving back during the holidays. They participate in a project called Headstart Christmas Parties providing items such as toys, mittens, books, shoes, and socks for less fortunatechildren in the Jefferson County area. The children have the opportunity to tell their Christmas wishes to Santa and Mrs. Claus. The gifts and time spent with these children between the ages of 3-5 are more than appreciated. Additionally, the Junior Optimist International Club, Junior Optimist Society, partnered with the Twin City Area Optimist Club to sing Christmas carols to the residents of Crystal Oaks Nursing center

For more information about the Twin City Area Optimist Club's Headstart Christmas Parties, visit the Club's website.

December 2016 - Watertown Optimist Club's Winter Wonderland

The Watertown Optimist Club’s Winter Wonderland has grown from a small light show to a town tradition. Winter Wonderland has taken place at the Stokes-Thomas City Park at Lake Kampeska for five years. Over the years, approximately 30,000 people have viewed the Winter Wonderland displays. The displays are open from Thanksgiving until the weekend after Christmas. There is no charge to visit Winter Wonderland, but donations are encouraged and welcomed. Winter Wonderland is one of the biggest attractions during the holidays. With donations received and the hard work of volunteers, the Watertown Optimist Club have raised $50,000 to contribute to the community’s youth and programs.

For more information about the Watertown Optimist's Winter Wonderland, find Watertown Optimist Club on Facebook.

November 2016 - Evening Optimist Club of Albuquerque’s Optimist Youth Camp

The Evening Optimist Club of Albuquerque pairs with the YMCA in the Camp Shaver Area to host a one-week camp for sixth graders. The week-long activities focus on belonging, leadership skills, and character building. The Evening Optimist Club raises funds to cover the cost of the camp. They also receive donations from local businesses, schools, other Optimist Clubs, families, and friends.

The camp is staffed by college-age men and women chosen for their desire to be positive role models. The camp provides a counselor to camper ratio of 1:4. A registered nurse is on site 24 hours a day. The camp provides three hot meals a day. Campers engage in a large variety of activities, including: archery, drama, arts and crafts, climbing, hiking, fishing, air riflery, high ropes, sports, overnight campouts, and cooking. The campers have a daily opportunity to relax, socialize, share a snack, and buy a souvenir at the camp store.

For more information about the Evening Optimist Club of Albuquerque’s Optimist Youth Camp program, click here. Or, send an email via the Club’s contact us page.

October 2016 - Noon Optimist Club of Centerville’s Avenue of Flags

The Noon Optimist Club of Centerville, Ohio, shares their optimism and patriotic spirit in the community with its Avenue of Flags fundraiser. Club Members and other volunteers place American flags in front of 1500+ Centerville homes on five national holidays. Local residents subscribe for the service and the program raises significant amounts allowing the Club to fund its scholarships, community service projects and other youth-oriented activities.

With 100 plus volunteers, the Club has sponsored the Avenue of Flags program in the Centerville – Washington Township, Ohio community for the past 12 years. Teams of Club members and volunteers place flags on 10-foot flagpoles in front of homes and businesses of subscribers on the five national holidays of Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veteran’s Day. Subscribers pay $50 per year for the service and are generous in supporting the Club’s efforts in bringing out the best in area youth. The profitable fundraiser has grown from 30 flags to 1550 flags and the Club has even recruited new Members through the program. Teams of Club Members and local volunteers devote approximately 15 hours per year in the setup and removal of flags.

After the initial Club expenses for flags, flagpoles and other supplies, the return on investment for succeeding years is significant. Working together with eight other area Optimist Clubs, program leaders are able to order flag supplies in large quantities which results in a significant cost saving. This fundraising program can work for Optimist Clubs of any size. It is a great way to bond with fellow Members, connect with area residents & families, and to promote all the wonderful ways your Club impacts youth in its community.

For more information about the Noon Optimist Club of Centerville’s Avenue of Flags program, click here. Or, send an email via the Club’s contact us page.