“Promise Yourself”: The Tradition Continues

The new year begins early at the Optimist Club of Gettysburg when, at the Club’s Installation Banquet on Wednesday, October 3, a fresh panel of officers and board of directors will take on the leadership roles of the “Friends of Youth” of Gettysburg.  Continuing the tradition of serving the needs of the communities youth through positive educational, artistic  and  sports programs, the local chapter of Optimist International has set some generous goals for the 2012-2013 administrative year.  More than 19 programs will receive the Optimist Club’s support over the next twelve months, each sharing more than $40,000.00 of contributions raised through five fund raising projects which include; The Optimist Christmas Magic Show, The Annual Shrimp & Oyster Feed, The Third Annual Optimist Golf Tournament and the Spring and Summer Youth Soccer Parking Projects.

The Club recently established the budget for the upcoming year and selected the following programs for its support in the coming year:

  • Adams County School for Musical Theater
  • The Holiday Family Outreach Program
  • Gettysburg High School Orchestra
  • The Gettysburg Optimist Basket Ball Program
  • Optimist Tri-Star Basket Ball
  • Gettysburg High School Stars Program
  • Dollars for Scholars
  • Reading is Fundamental (RIF), The Lincoln, James Getty, Franklin Township, Saint Francis Elementary Schools and the Gettysburg Kindergarten and Vita Charter School.
  • Gettysburg Schools Environmental Education Program
  • Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Day
  • Optimist Respect for Law
  • The Gettysburg Halloween Parade
  • The Gettysburg Christmas Parade
  • The Adams County Arts Council
  • Gettysburg Little League
  • Adams County Boy Scouts of America
  • Food Kitchen Meals and More Summer Program
  • Adams County Business and Education Partnership
  • Gettysburg High School Sports
  • Optimist Olympics
  • The Optimist Family Night Donation Project

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg was chartered in 1958 and has been in continuous service to supporting the youth in the Gettysburg and Adams County area since its beginning.  “If you are, or have ever been, a member of the Gettysburg community it is likely that you and your family have benefited from an Optimist Club supported program sometime over the years,” says outgoing club President, Mark Cropp.  “It is particularly rewarding to be a part of this great organization and its work with the areas youth, and encouraging to know that the important work will continue thanks to the dedicated efforts of Optimist Club members, their families and the financial support of the Gettysburg area businesses and its citizens.”

Optimist Club of Gettysburg membership is open to all adults willing to volunteer their time and skills in support the clubs on-going efforts.  For additional information on membership opportunities, or to follow the progress of the Optimist Club of Gettysburg, visit, www.gettysburgoptimist.com or www.facebook.com/OptimistClubofGettysburg.

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