West Bloomfield Optimist Club Events and Activities

The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield meets every Tuesday at 7:30am at the Stage & Company Restaurant, located 6873 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI. Meetings generally consist of a half hour of breakfast and social time, followed by a half hour with a guest speaker. Topics range from government affairs, automotive, sports, health care, history, current events, etc.

• Oratorical Contest
  This event is an Optimist International program designed to provide middle school/jr. high students the opportunity to compete and share their oratorical skills. Each year there is a theme and students are asked to give a talk on what it means to them. The winner of the local contest goes on to compete in the state competition.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 20

April

• Regional Oratorical Contest

• Respect for Law Program
  Each year the West Bloomfield Club participates in this Optimist International program. At one breakfast in December, the club recognizes the efforts of local law enforcement officers. Members of the West Bloomfield Police Department are nominated and ultimately awarded for their service to the community.

May

• Neree Alix Scholarship Program
  The Neree Alix Scholarship was established in honor of Mr. Alix and all other members who have since passed away. Initiated in 1983 with funding from the Alix family the scholarship was designed to recognize the achievements of senior high school students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills and who volunteer within the community. Each year the club awards two scholarships in the amounts of $1500 and $1000.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 8

• Michigan Week
  The organization helps sponsor and participates in the annual West Bloomfield Michigan Week celebration. Members are active in a number event in this week long series of events, including the presentation of the Neree Alix Scholarship at the annual Community Breakfast.

• Optimist International Junior Golf
  For three years now the West Bloomfield Club has held a Jr. Golf tournament. Each year junior high/high school age boys and girls participate in this event. The winners of each division have the opportunity to move on to the state level, with the winner of this tournament having a chance to compete at a national level. Last year's Optimist Inter nation program was held at Doral in Miami, Florida.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 30

• Optimist International Convention

• Limited Edition Car Raffle

July

• Kids Summer Outing
  This event revolves around a typical summer time activity. This may include attending a Detroit Tiger baseball game or a trip to the Water Park. Each year a dozen members take as many as forty kids to the local Dairy Queen, followed by a bus trip to a fun filled afternoon.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 40

• Summer Reading Program with West Bloomfield Library

August

• Michigan District Convention

September

• Officer Installation Dinner
  The Optimist calendar year actually begins on October 1st. Prior to this date a dinner is held to recognize the outgoing officers and install the new ones. This annual program provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and is a show of support for the year ahead.

• Limited Edition Raffle
  Major fund raiser to support youth activities.

• Member Golf Outing
  

November

• Youth Appreciation
  This Optimist International program was designed to recognize students who exemplify to others what it means to volunteer and be a leader within their community. Each year one high school student is honored at a club breakfast.

December

• Essay Contest
  Much like the oratorical contest, the essay contest is also an Optimist International program. This event provides high school students with an opportunity to share their creative writing skills. More than 40 individuals compete and the top three are recognized at a club breakfast. The winner's paper is submitted to the state competition with the possibility of going on to the national level. Papers are reviewed by a panel of local media and/or district judges.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 40

• Annual Kid's Holiday Party
  For several years now the club sponsors a holiday party for underprivileged kids living within the community. The event includes a skit by the West Bloomfield High School drama club, lunch and a visit from Santa Claus. Each child receives a gift and their picture with Santa.
  Annual # of youth that participate = 100

• Holiday Gift Giving
  In an effort to brighten the holidays of the less fortunate, some 30 families are identified to participate in the annual gift giving program. Each of these families receives a turkey/ham, a tin of cookies and $100.
  Annual # of youth that benefit = 60