Newsletter – September 12, 2024
Tauzzari Robinson, CEO at Boys & Girls Club
and former Optimist, spoke with us this morning with a detailed overview of Boys & Girls Club (BGC) history, status, and future. A safe place, with food assistance, tutoring and work prep, recreation, and mental health support is provided free of charge to 2315 members year-round (daily attendance averages approximately 25o) at two sites, with some transportation, mobile service, and a third site continuing to develop. The needy service population, warding off threats and effects of poverty, hunger, and transition, have opportunities for computer access, nurturant adult support, exciting and safe growth and healthy learning experiences. We have been pleased to be able to partner with BGC in Oratorical Contests, Dodgeball Tournaments, and other events, as well as supporting projects and programs indirectly with our contributions.
Before Tauzzari spoke, the 14 attendees joined with Mic Goulet reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and were reverent as Jack Proffitt said “grace”, before President Cindy Sullivan called the gathering to order and announced that she would be absent next week in light of her impending knee replacement. (There will be a literal “stand-in”.)
Jeff Gauger reminds that Sleep in Heavenly Peace is having a Build Day coordinated with the annual “Bunks Across America” this Saturday, September 14, and invites volunteers to help set a record for bed-building.
Greg Hilliker announced a free concert at Flushing Riverview Park to benefit Special Olympics (one of our “causes”) this Sunday, September 15th from 1:00- 7:00 p.m., featuring Waylon Hanel, Justin Rose, and Michael Root. (See magazine article and photos below.)
Jeff Dennings and Cindy gave information on Club plans for passing out cider and “donuts” at the Flushing HarvestFest on Saturday, September 28th and asks for member volunteers!
Installation Banquet is set to start on October 3 at Kathy’s “Upper Room” at 6:00 p.m. (dinner at 7:00 p.m. is being “2nd-guessed” because of the “frequently-dismissed-but-highly-touted” meatloaf option).
Joe Farah is inviting us to his house to watch “his” Cowboys compete against the Lions at 4:30 p.m. on October 13.
Jack Proffitt is contacting Michigan School for the Deaf to set up our annual “Signing Santa” Breakfast here.
Deb Hawley will be gathering here with us next week, representing St. Francis Prayer Center.
Until next time, “PROMISE YOURSELF…”
Join Us at Flushing SummerFest 2024
The West Flint Optimist Club is excited to announce our participation in the Flushing SummerFest by hosting a Beer Tent to raise funds for local children’s charities. The Beer Tent will be open from Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22, offering an incredible lineup of entertainment, Michigan craft beers, and fine wines. Here’s a detailed look at what we have planned for this fantastic event.
Event Schedule
Thursday, June 20
- Open Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Entertainment: Elisabeth Christe, a renowned country music performer, will grace the tent from 7 PM until close. Enjoy her soulful tunes while you sip on your favorite drinks.
Friday, June 21
- Open Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Entertainment: The band Sunset Blvd will be performing live on the Bandshell stage from 7 PM to 10 PM. Dance the night away to their rockin’ tunes from the 80’s.
Saturday, June 22
- Open Hours: Noon – 11 PM
- Events:
- Cornhole Tournament: Sponsored by SisCo Salon & Spa, the tournament will start at noon right in front of the stage. Bring your A-game and compete for fun and prizes.
- Elton John Tribute Band: Experience the magic of Elton John’s music from 7 PM to 10 PM in the Bandshell. A show not to be missed!
What’s on Offer
At our Beer Tent, we’ll be serving a selection of Michigan craft beers and fine wines. All proceeds from the sales will directly support local children’s charities, making your enjoyment contribute to a worthy cause.
Raffle Prize
Don’t miss out on our exciting raffle! You could win a red Yeti Cooler worth $450. The proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Flushing Christian Outreach Center and Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Flushing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support these vital community organizations.
Community Support
The West Flint Optimist Club is grateful for the assistance from workers at the Crim Foundation’s CANUSA Games, Whaley Children’s Center, Flushing Christian Outreach Center, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Their support is invaluable in making this fundraiser a success.
Our Sponsors
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors for their generous support. Their contributions are crucial in helping us achieve our mission.
Diamond Sponsors:
- Staley’s Plumbing Heating & A/C
- Edward Jones
- SisCo Salon & Spa
- Trackside Café
- Teachout Security
- Signs by Crannie
- Red Fox Realty
- Macksoods
- Clark’s Greenhouse & Nursery
- Collagen LLC
- Alternative Elderly Care
- John & Theresa Farah
Gold Sponsors:
- Innovative Tech Solutions
- The Gym For Her
- Michael Goulet
- Cindy Sullivan – Huntington Bank
- Advantage Intelligent Marketing
Silver Sponsors:
- Church & Sons Auto
- I Can Market That!!
- Mitch Hoffman CPA
- The Pig & The Hen
- Rossell Funeral Home
- Downtown Designz
- Dr. Jack & Diane Medemar
- John Costa
Bronze Sponsors:
- IT Travel Services
- Teran Dental
About the West Flint Optimist Club
The West Flint Optimist Club is dedicated to serving the community, particularly focusing on the needs and development of children. Through various projects and initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact and foster a supportive environment for the youth in our area.
For more information about our club and our mission, please visit our website.
We look forward to seeing you at the Flushing SummerFest! Join us in making this event a memorable one while supporting a great cause.
Newsletters
Newsletter – September 5, 2024
Fifteen of us gathered for breakfast today and stood for the Pledge and grace “intoned” by Jack Proffitt before President Cindy Sullivan called for announcements and sat down. (She is giving her knee a break before saying “goodbye” to it later this month.) Bill...
Newsletter – August 22, 2024
Assistant Governor Bill Reaves attended this past week’s Optimist International Michigan District Convention, noting that our Club is recognized for its longevity (61 Years) and contributions - “Dime-A-Day” members (10+) and membership growth (+7 for the fiscal year)...
Newsletter – August 15, 2024
14 members gathered at Liberty today, under the scrutiny of “acting President” Mic Goulet, standing in for the absent President Cindy Sullivan (planned absence) and missing Lt. Gov. Bill Reaves (traffic-delayed absence). Sleep in Heavenly Peace news - 40 more beds...
Community Events
West Flint Optimists and Flushing Rotary Join Forces for Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Every night, as children across the United States lay down to rest, some face a heart-wrenching reality – they don't have a bed to sleep in. It's a simple comfort that many of us take for granted, but for these children, it's a dream they have yet to realize. That's...
Volunteers wanted for “Build Day”!!
The most recent issue of "MY CITY" magazine mentions one of our favorite organizations on its cover: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Flushing Chapter) has been a beneficiary of our West Flint Optimist Club's financial support and several work teams that have cut, sawn,...
A FIRST for the West Flint Optimist Club!
In a "red-letter day" for the West Flint Optimists at the December 28 Breakfast Meeting, Lieutenant Governor Bill Reaves (far left in photo) is shown leading the recitation of vows for new and Board-approved members Natalie Fox (2nd in photo), owner of Red Fox Realty,...