Program for:
About Our Club and Optimism
The Downtown Optimist Club of Evansville Indiana , Inc., celebrated our 90th Anniversary on May 13, 2011.
We are now in our 90th year and still going and growing strong. Our club was Chartered on Friday, May 13,
1921 and was the second club chartered in Indiana and the 15th in the world. There were eighty-six charter
members.
We have sponsored several clubs throughout our 88 year history including the Evansville Westside and
Eastside Clubs and a club in Santa Claus, Indiana.
Our club is a member of Optimist International, a worldwide organization, whose purpose is to serve the youth
in our communitys. Currently, we have approximately 50 members.
We are members of the Indiana South District which is associated with Optimist International. What
differentiates Optimist Clubs from any other volunteer opportunity is simple -- OPTIMISM. Optimists take their
upbeat approach and work every day to make a difference for themselves and for the people around them.
Optimists are people who believe that through positive action in their communities they can create a better
tomorrow.
Our Mission Statement: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.
Our Vision Statement: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer
organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Club History
Dr. Charles Hartloff, the first president of our club, was born on Friday the 13th, and he felt that the 13th was
the most wonderful day in the monthly calendar, and when it falls on a Friday, it only adds to the real value of
the day.
Bish Thompson, a former member of our club, was an International Vice President. He was a longtime member
of the club and a writer for the Evansville Press." He wrote a daily article for the paper and hosted a five-minute
radio show. Bish wrote a book, "Of Dreams and Deeds",which is required reading for Optimist member
participating in the "Personal Growth and Involvement"(PGI) program. Each year, our club presents the Bish
Thompson Memorial Award to honor one person from the community who has excelled in helping children.
Their name is placed on a plaque for all to see at the Evansville Library, Downtown. They also receive an
individual plaque and a check for $250 to a charity of their choice. In addition to honoring these individuals, we
hope to encourage others, outside the Optimist Club, to help children.
When Camp Carson was built in Princeton, Indiana, the Downtown Optimist Club supported them with money
to help with the buildings. Over the years, we have supported the Camp with gifts of furniture, boats, and
money. Each year, we have a meeting at the Camp to be with the kids who we help sponsor and are unable to
pay the Camps tuition.
Go here to read more club history. Go here to read our 16 page 60th Anniversary Booklet from 1981.
Here's an article from Parade Magazine about Optimism. It states how being optimistic is better for your health.
(Contact webmaster -mailto:ron.eberhart@wowway.com)
Meetings - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays - 11:45 am
2nd and 4th Wednesdays - 11:45 am
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