of Caroline County
Optimist Club Projects:
The Optimist Club has been involved in several projects since its inception in 1999. The following is a list of projects currently undertaken by the current membership and Board of Directors:
Annual Draw Down – In 2008, the Optimist Club teamed with the Moose Lodge of Caroline County to hold a draw down, or reverse raffle. The event was held in the spring and raised money for both non-profit organizations. The Optimist Club will seek this to be an annual event.
Athletic Foundation – A Foundation has been established to raise funds for various youth capital projects. These include handicapped accessible playgrounds; indoor and outdoor bleachers; scoreboards; and after-school recreation sites.
Caroline County Holiday Ornaments – What started out as a fundraiser in 2003 has grown to be a holiday tradition for those collecting the Caroline County holiday ornaments. Each year, the Optimist Club partners with Caroline County government to sell ornaments that display the County seal on one side and a feature of Caroline County on the other. The ornaments are ordered in limited quantities which make them fun to collect every year.
Dime-A-Day Project – The Optimist Club is asking individuals, families and organizations to save one dime every day and contribute to the Optimist Club for its youth programs. A dime saved throughout the year raises $36.50.
Donations to Youth Organizations – The Optimist Club has donated to various youth organizations, non-profit organizations and school projects since 1999. Requests can be made to the Optimist Club President for consideration at the next Board of Directors’ meeting.
Father’s Day Contest – Nurturing the father-child relationship is a top priority for the Optimist Club. This contest asks children grades 3-8 to write an essay on “What Makes My Dad So Special.” Cash prizes are given to the winners. The contest is offered through the special partnership with the The Caroline Progress.
Harvey Jarmon Memorial Scholarship – In 2008, the Optimist Club issued the first Harvey Jarmon Memorial Scholarship in honor of the late Harvey Jarmon, a longtime Optimist Club member and officer. The scholarship is given to a senior in a Caroline County school system based on the criteria of positive extracurricular activities and traits shown in the life of Mr. Jarmon. The scholarship is awarded upon graduation by the student chosen.
“Making Christmas Wishes Come True” – Beginning in 2008, the Optimist Club will accept nominations from the general public on how they would spend $1,000 to make “wishes come true” for an individual or family at Christmas time. The person or family nominated must live in Caroline County. The Optimist Club chooses the winning nomination and works with the person submitting the nomination to spend the $1,000.
Operation: Shoebox - Since 2001, the Optimist Club has partnered with Caroline County government, Caroline County schools, Caroline County Department of Social Services and other organizations to spread holiday cheer to kids 5-17. Optimist Club members have asked the public to fill shoeboxes filled with holiday goodies and have distributed them through the school system and Social Services. Since 2001, over 6,500 boxes have been collected and distributed. The Club also fills is own boxes upon receipt of cash donations.
Winter Sports Festival – This is the newest activity and fundraiser for the Optimist Club. In 2009, a Winter Sports Festival will be held in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department of Caroline County. Retired professional athletes will be in attendance to meet boys and girls as they celebrate the end of their youth basketball seasons. The public is invited to purchase autographs and other items as part of a sports card and memorabilia show. The dates are March 7-8 at the Caroline County Community Services Center.