| Youth
Projects - "Bringing Out the Best in Kids . . ."
Opti-Park
- The club maintains and operates a 10-acre community park in the Broad
Ripple area of Indianapolis.
Youth In Government Day - Each
November, high school students spend a day at the City-County Building
to meet local government officials and learn about how
Indianapolis-Marion County government operates. In April, high school
students spend a day at the Statehouse meeting State officials and
hearing about State government operations.
Oratorical
Contest - A speech contest on a designated topic for kids
under the age of 16. Our club contest is usually conducted in January
each year, and presents a club contest award to a boy winner and girl
winner. Our club winners advance to further contests competing for
scholarships. The topic for 2006 is: "My Future Is Bright Because..."
Essay Contest
- A writing contest on a designated topic for kids under the age of 19.
Our club contest is usually conducted in January each year. The club
winning essay is entered in the District contest, competing for
scholarships. The topic for 2006 is: "I'm Unique Because..."
Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)
- A communications contest for deaf and hearing impaired kids through
grade 12. Our club contest is usually held in May each year. The club
winner advances to a District contest competing for a scholarship. The
topic for 2006 is: "My Future Is Bright Because..."
Respect for
Law Camp - Kids in the 5th & 6th grade are eligible for
this special 2-day camp held on the University of Indianapolis campus
in June each year. The camp is conducted by Indiana State Police
troopers and other law enforcement personnel.
Always
Buckle Children ("ABC") -
Helping to educate the community on how children under
12 should be restrained in vehicles, especially those with passenger-side airbags.
Scholarships
- each year, the club awards two $1,500 scholarships to graduating
high school students, and one $1,000 scholarships to a previous
scholarship recipient for continued support. The scholarships are
awarded in memory of Lenny Brand, long-time club member, who
championed the kid who succeeded despite obstacles.
Scout Cabin
at the Indiana School for the Blind - originally built and
supported by the Breakfast Optimist Club, the cabin needed extensive
repairs. The Breakfast Club put out a call for help to other Optimist
Clubs to join them in rebuilding the cabin. The North Side club
assisted with manpower to tear-out old material, help install new
materials and in painting. The North Side club paid for a new heating
and cooling system for the cabin.
Community Service
Salvation
Army "Tree of Lights" Campaign
- North Side members conduct a mini-campaign to raise money for the
Salvation Army's annual Christmas-time campaign. Originally starting
as bell-ringers at a Salvation Army kettle, members determined they
could raise more money by pooling their individual contributions with
"matches" from friends.
Christamore
House Toy Shop - North Side members "adopt"
families with children and purchase clothing, toys and other items
requested by the families. The Christamore House is a community center
serving families on the near-Westside of Indianapolis.
Respect for
Law Officer Award - this annual award honors a police
officer of the Indianapolis Police Department's North District
(selected by the District administration). Our recognition is designed
to recognize officer who provide consistent, good policing performance
with something "extra" that serves the community.
Firefighter
Recognition Award - This
annual award honors a firefighter or emergency medical services (EMS)
provider for his/her work in public safety and preserving human life.
|