Member Spotlight – McPherson Optimist Club
McPherson Optimist is celebrating 50 years this year! As their logo states, they are “Friends of Youth.” There is a multitude of events and programs that the Optimist has either started or have been part of. The complete list can be found online, but to name a few current programs – GIFTs (Gifts Intended for Teens), Feed the Kids, Optimist Flag Program, the Halloween Carnival, Optimist Easter Egg Hunt, Mid America Girls Basketball Tournament, Essay/Oratorical Contest, and they contribute to DARE, School Supplies, and Books for Children.
When the Optimist Club started they began by selling light bulbs, stadium cushions, and did dunk tanks to raise funds.
In 1996, the Optimist Club started a girl’s high school basketball tournament. Their first year, they had a goal to raise $5,000. That year, the place was sold out for many games. Needless to say, they have met their goal and the women’s basketball tournaments have been a great success.
For just $35 a year, the Optimist Club will place a flag at your business or home, on five major holidays throughout the year. To sign up, you can send them an email. Optimists are about bringing out the best in kids. If you would like to learn more about the McPherson Optimist Club you can check out their Facebook. You can also go to their website.
Beginning this year, the McPherson Optimist Club took over the Halloween Carnival at the Community Building. It is always a great event for the family while also raising funds to support the many causes that Optimist is part of.
If you need to reach out to the McPherson Optimist Club, you can do so by emailing them. Check out these photos from the Chamber Connection hosted by the McPherson Optimist Club last Thursday.