• Social Gathering

    Time: October 16, 2024 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
    Location: Four Score

  • Membership Meeting

    Time: November 6th, 2024 6:.30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
    Location: Deatrick Village – 56 Winding Dr.

  • #83

  • Optimist Family Christmas Party

    Time: December 10, 2024 6:00 PM
    Location: Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall

  • Salvation Army Bell Ringing

    Time: December 12, 2024
    Location: Walmart

  • Membership Meeting

    Time: January 8, 2025 6:.30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
    Location: 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center

Get Involved!

The Gettysburg Optimist Club is a 501c3 organization with all donations going directly to youth organizations in the local Gettysburg Community. The Gettysburg, PA Chapter was chartered in 1958 as an affiliate of Optimist International. Since this time, the Club has been in continuous service to the Gettysburg community and its youth. We are seeking men and women of all ages to join us in serving the needs of our community’s youth. Find out how to get involved by contacting us today.

2024 Giving Spree #83

Members

  • Enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of individuals who get things done and who embrace a similar optimistic mindset.

  • Develop new social and working relationships with individuals from a cross section of our communities and have opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

  • Experience satisfaction from making a difference in lives of children as well as the surrounding communities.

  • Receive as much as they give!

Who We Are

We are local men and women who believe that the youth is the future of our city, state, and nation. We wish to give back to the community that gives so much to us!

What We Do

Our volunteer club raises and donates tens of thousands of dollars annually for local youth organizations. We support great programs in local schools, such as the Reading is Fundamental organization and outdoor education. We also support local sports and musical initiatives, including running a two month basketball program for more than 150 youth. For more information about the projects organizations the Optimist Club of Gettysburg is involved with, visit service projects page.

Latest News

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, September 25,2024 at the Mansion House, Fairfield PA for our annual officers and board of directors’ installation banquet. We were treated to hors d’oeuvres and a delicious meal.

We had 29 members and guests in attendance which included Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner.

We began the evening with President Dan welcoming all in attendance. Joe Mac Dowell led us with the invocation and pledge.

Business Meeting:

  1. Dan opened the meeting with the announcement of the completion of a great Optimist year while he was president. Dan thanked all the members for their support throughout the 2023-2024 Optimist year. Dan recognized our past year and thanked the 2023-2024 officers: Brent and Daryl; Board of Directors Gary, Brian, Fred and Wayne; as well as all members and significant others for their support.
  2. In memory of “Randy Smith” Dan recognized Randy’s constant support for the Optimist Club. Lt Governor Connie along with Brent lit a candle in Randy’s memory.
  3. The main order of business was the installation of new officers and Board of Directors for 2023-2024 by Lt. Governor Connie Sohnleitner: (Officers) President-Wayne Hill, Secretary-Daryl Aurand, and Treasurer-Brent Smith, (Board of Directors) Dan Mattern, Marci Cropp, Bill Pyron and Brian Skidmore.

Daniel Folkemor was inducted as our newest member into the Optimist Club.

  1. Newly elected President Wayne Hill addressed the membership and his appreciation for the efforts from all members in making the Optimist Club of Gettysburg a great organization. President Wayne looks forward to yet another year for our Gettysburg Optimist Club carrying our mission to the youth of our community, encouraging guest speakers at club meetings and bringing in new members to help continue the Gettysburg Optimist Legacy. Wayne also presented Dan with a Travel Mug etched with the Optimist Club of Gettysburg and his name in appreciation for his year as our President.
  2. The meeting ended with Wayne Hill leading us in the recitation of the “Optimist Creed”.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 10/2/2024 Optimist Meeting was held (9/25)
  • 10/16/22024 Optimist Social @ Four Score 6 PM / 1st Quarter Board Meeting @ 5 PM
  • 11/6/2024 Optimist Meeting, location 56 Winding Drive, Deatrick Village Community Center 6PM
  • 11/7/2024 Adams CO Foundation Giving Spree (We are #83)
  • 12/10/2024 Optimist Family Christmas Party @ Gettysburg Fireman’s Hall 6PM
  • 12/12/2024 Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Sign-up sheet to be circulated
  • 01/4/2025 1st Optimist Basketball date, Brian will set the schedule
  • 01/8/2025 Optimist Meeting @ 1,000 Heritage Drive, Lake Heritage Community Center

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Donate Now

The Gettysburg Optimist Club is a 501c3 organization with all donations going directly to youth organizations in the local Gettysburg Community. The Gettysburg, PA Chapter was chartered in 1958 as an affiliate of Optimist International. Since this time, the Club has been in continuous service to the Gettysburg community and its youth. Donate today to make a direct impact on Bringing out the Best in Kids.

© 2024 - Gettysburg Optimist Club. All Rights Reserved. EIN#23-7011769