PROJECTS:

Adopt-a-Family -  In conjunction with the Neighborhood House we will adopt several families in need during the Christmas Holiday Season.  The Club Board has agreed to match some of the donations.  If you would like help by donating or in another way contact                 Jeri Gorman.

Communications Contests

Essay Contest, An Optimist International program for students earn monies to pursue opportunities in higher education.  For more information email Katie Kloos. Essays are due to February 17, 2012.   Topic for 2012 - "How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community".

Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)  - Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Contest -  Students who are certified to have a hearing loss of 40 decibels or more may compete in this contest designed to help them develop the skills and confidence to present in sign or orally to an audience.  Application Deadline: March 1, 2012 for more information contact Jeri Gorman.  Topic for 2012 - "How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles".

Oratorical Contest - This contest is designed to assist youth in gaining public speaking experience and provide them with an opportunity to compete for a scholarship, for more information call Michele Rogers.  Topic for 2012 - "How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles".  The Oratorical Contest will be held at Macalester College - Olin/Rice Hall,  (click here for map) buildings  #13 & 14.  Thursday, March 1, 2012

Fund Raiser - Cadillac Dinner - May 9, 2013, Fort Snelling Officers Club.  This is our annual club fund raiser.  Funds collected during this fun event fund our various youth projects.   The event is dinner, silent auction, games, wall of wine and prizes.  Members and local merchants donate prizes for the event.  Contact:  Club President

Optimist Junior Golf  Regional Tournament:  Dakota's & Minnesota Official District Qualifying Tournament for the 2011 Optimist International Junior Golf Championships, Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Cragens Legacy Golf Course, Brainard, MN.  Contact Mark Waverek for more information

Grand Old Day Parade - 1st Sunday of June - Club members and friends walk in the parade hand out candy and club promotional materials in this iconic event to welcome summer in St Paul.  Contact Terry Gorman for more information

Holiday Dinner.  Each year club members prepare and serve a holiday dinner for 600 family members at the Neighborhood House, (click here for map) 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul.  December 15, 2011.  Contact Terry Gorman for more information.

Sock Drive.   It has been brought to our attention that every year many needy children go without socks for a variety of reasons.  We have developed a project with the Neighborhood House to collect and donate socks to the kids.  If you would like to help with this project please contact Faith Clover for more information.

MN State Fair Booth. The Optimist Clubs of Minnesota staff a booth in the Education Building.  We promote our vision of Optimism and attract new members by your presence at the State Fair.  We raffle off an item donated by Eric Bike shops.  Please stop by and visit us at the Minnesota State in the Education building.  See this years winner - 

Youth Appreciation Week - November 7-12, 2011.  Youth Appreciation and Scholarship Awards dinner is scheduled for November 8th, 2011 at the Town and Country Club. Contact John Tillotson for more information.  News article by Ruben Rosairo <http://www.twincities.com/rosario/ci_19267377>

Youth Events: Contact the Club President for a list and schedule of these events.