Scholarship Donor - RAP

Donor Since: 2001
Number of Scholarships: 1
Websites: Optimist Club of Sherwood Park
Scholarship Information: Optimist Club of Sherwood Park RAP Scholarship

History:
An Optimist club is a voluntary organization. Community service is the objective of its members with particular emphasis on programs benefiting young people. We recognize the difficulties the youth of our society must face in these fast times. To this end we develop programs and sponsor other community minded groups to help our youth grow up in a safe, progressive and nurturing environment.

Educational programs such as oratorical and essay contests, bike safety, Always Buckle-Up Children and scholarships are an important part of our organization. We sponsor sports teams as they strive for excellence and the development of teamwork which is so important in society today, helping to keep the cost down so all can participate. Cultural programs include theatre, music, and the arts. We are also involved in health matters in our communities by way of blood donation clinics, support of local health authorities and with programs such as Help Them Hear, Dare and other guidance aids.

Each Optimist Club belongs to Optimist International, which helps them with resources in conducting programs the clubs wish to participate in. The local clubs are autonomous and are administered by their own club members and conduct programs which they feel are the most needed in their community. The youth of our communities are the greatest concern of an Optimist but we help when and wherever we feel the need.

Optimist Clubs share these main purposes:

- To develop optimism as a philosophy of life
- To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs
- To inspire respect for law
- To promote patriotism, 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 to the service of others will advance the wellbeing of persons in our community and the world.