Service

COMMUNITY

Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina is a privately funded, non-sectarian, not-for-profit agency that provides a “family” environment for at-risk children needing an out-of-home setting for as long as is necessary and practical. Located directly on the shores of beautiful Lake Waccamaw in the southeastern part of the state, the homes provide shelter, food, clothing, education, emotional support and moral/ethical/spiritual guidance to the children. To date, more than 3000 children from across North Carolina have benefited from these services. The Optimist Club of Raleigh, together with other Optimist clubs in the state, is proud to contribute financially – both endowment and operating expenses. The Optimist Cottage there can accommodate up to eight boys at a time.

Respect for Law
During the annual “Respect for Law” week, the Club shows its respect and gratitude to local law enforcement professionals at a luncheon meeting. Representatives of area enforcement organizations are invited and honored.

Roadside Cleanup of Optimist Farm Road
The Optimist Club of Raleigh is a partner in the NC Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program. In this program members of the Club volunteer at least twice a year to pick up litter along Optimist Farm Road. The Club is recognized for this service with appropriate signs along the road. This project demonstrates the Club’s concern for the community and lets neighbors know that we respect them and our role as concerned citizens.

Optimist International Foundation
Established in 1971, the Optimist International Foundation has been instrumental in providing significant funding for the charitable, literary and educational purposes of Optimist International. The Optimist Club of Raleigh, together with other Optimist clubs in the state, provides financial support to this foundation.

YOUTH

Youth Appreciation Week
One week each year is designated “Youth Appreciation Week.” The club celebrates this week each year by awarding scholarships to area high school seniors. A committee of club members and school administrators select the seniors based on their academic and extra-curricular accomplishments. Parents, faculty advisors and the winners are honored at a luncheon where the scholarships are presented.

Youth Sports and Youth Activities
Optimists serve as promoters, coaches and counselors and help finance various youth sports activities such as the Garner Road YMCA Basketball Club.  Other youth activities such as “Take-A-Kid-Fishing” at the Optimist Farm involve many Optimists and many more area children.   The club also maintain the beautiful 69 acre Optimist Farm and make it available for sports, camping and other uses by youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Mile of Hope
The Mile of Hope is a Childhood Cancer Campaign project sponsored by the Club along with other Optimist Clubs in Eastern North Carolina. It provides a weekend “get away” to the beach for twenty-five children with cancer. The children and their families, from eastern NC, enjoy a break from their hospital routines for some sun, fun, food, fellowship, and an optimistic vacation.  Visit the Mile of Hope Website and Facebook Page for more information.

Essay Contest
The Club sponsors this contest to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of his or her country, or a more historical perspective. The topic, selected each year by Optimist International, is intended to give young people the room to develop their own views around a central idea. The best are recognized at a luncheon with their parents and faculty representatives. In addition, the first place winner’s essay is submitted to the District competition for a $2,500 college scholarship.

Oratorical Contest
The Club sponsors this speech contest to inspire today’s youth to motivate and inform others through the art of public speaking. The contest topic is chosen each year by Optimist International. Non-Optimist community leaders make up the panels of judges that select the winning students. The best are recognized at a luncheon with their parents and faculty representatives. This contest provides Club winners with the opportunity to compete at the District level for a college scholarship.

Optimist International Junior Golf Championships
Every year more than 7,000 boys and girls compete in Optimist district qualifying tournaments. The best of these golfers advance to the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships – which are held at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Youngsters in our community have the opportunity to play in this prestigious event and meet other young athletes from all over the world. The Optimist International Junior Golf Championships provides youngsters cultural learning opportunities, competition, a week of golf, and, best of all, lots of fun!

Junior Optimist Club
Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI) is a dynamic coalition of youth volunteers. JOOI members represent the times well, by making their communities better – one service project at a time.

FUNDRAISING

Christmas Tree Sales
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving each year, the Club’s Christmas Tree Lot opens for business. This continues our long-running Optimist tradition in Raleigh.

The schedule and location for this year’s Christmas Tree Sale will be listed here and on our Facebook page.

The Club uses this major fundraiser to finance its numerous youth and community projects. All members of the Club share responsibility for lot setup, pricing and tree sales. As with all Club projects, no member receives any pay for his/her services and all profits are used to benefit area youth.

COME CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US THIS YEAR!