We are a “Friend of the Youth”
We Strive To
“Bring Out The Best In Kids”
Who We Are
Our History
In late summer of 2017, several members of local Optimist Clubs, along with past Board members of the Hamilton School District, pooled their experience and creative ideas and began discussions of starting up an Optimist Club for the local communities. Those meetings led to the creation of the Optimist Club of Sussex-Lisbon-Lannon-Butler being chartered in November of 2017. “SLLB”, as it is referred to, had joined an organization of 2,700 Optimist Clubs around the world. Keeping up with the Optimist Clubs motto – “Friend of the Youth” and “Bring out the Best in Kids”, during its first year, SLLB fundraised non-stop and was able to donate almost $5,000 towards Hamilton High School scholarships, sports clubs, sports activities and towards Hamilton High School’s band/choir class trip to London.
In momentum and energy of the SLLB’s members allowed them to participate in over 45 events, in just one year, such as Halloween and Sussex Lions Daze, Officer Appreciation, Car Shows in Lannon and Butler, parades in Sussex and Butler, joined the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and the Lannon Business Association. They chaired Easter events in the Town of Lisbon, Oratorical and Essay contests, participated in Family Fund Day, Springfest, held a Bag toss Competition, Duck Bowling and even volunteered making potato pancakes at Germanfest. The club sold hot dogs at the Sussex Ice Rink, judges at the Chili Cook-Off, delivered water to Lannon Elementary School, participated in Cancer Walk Relay for Life and rang bells for the Salvation Army. Members have donated their time raking leaves for senior citizens, serving food at senior citizen events and Christmas caroled for the seniors at several locations…and more!
The latest addition to SLLB’s 50+ members, is Hamilton High School’s Junior Optimist International Club and its 28 high school students that was chartered on September 30, 2018! In less than 6 months, the “JOI Club”, as it is referred to, was formed, chartered, and participated in the Butler and Sussex parades, held a fund raiser at the Sussex Market selling bake goods and caramel apples and volunteered at Spooky Sussex. The JOI club has already successfully completed an International project filling over 125 shoeboxes with needy items for children and sent them out to Africa and South America.
In 1911, soon after the very first Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, New York, an Optimist movement took place and Optimist Clubs were forming throughout the United States and Canada. Optimist International was formed in 1919, as the organization that connects all Optimist Cubs Internationally. All Optimist Clubs have the opportunity to compete in 1 of 3 International Scholarship contests: the Oratorical, the Essay and the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Additionally, there is Tri-Star Sports. This is an optional activity Clubs can sponsor that focuses on three skills competitions in each of the following sports: baseball, basketball, soccer, football, hockey, golf, curling and volleyball.
In November SLLB celebrates its 3rd year anniversary.
Our Approach
Working Toward a Brighter Future
Optimist Clubs participate in community service programs that are dedicated to bringing out the best in kids. Since each club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit.
01.
— Our Mission
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
02.
— Our Vision
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop their full potential.
— Purpose
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Partners
