LOWER PROVIDENCE
OPTIMIST CLUB
HISTORY
The Lower Providence Optimist Club was chartered on May 20, 1976 and was sponsored by the Ardmore Club. We are part of the Atlantic Central District. We have continued good works for the youth and our community for over 4 decades.
We are proud of our membership that includes people from all walks of life. We have a group of professionals ranging from teachers and other business people in finance, sales, travel, printing and musical industries. We are blessed to have members that served as past Presidents and Lieutenant Governors that are active members.
We also are concentrating on bringing younger members into our group in hopes that our club gets stronger with a broader base, extending the length of commitment from these new members.
This will help the longevity of our Club, as older members retire or their participation lessens.
HISTORY
The international organization was founded at a convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1919, uniting various local and regional clubs, the first of which was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1911. At the convention, the first official charter of the international organization was awarded to the club in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
The turn of the century was a turning point in the organization's storied history. Following the International Convention in Reno Nevada, the inaugural Optimist International Junior Bowling Championship took place there. Junior bowlers battled for the right to be called "Optimist Champion."
In July 2001, Optimists found themselves seated at the White House, pledging to support US President George W. Bush's goal to mentor one million children. Optimist President Bob Garner called the meeting yet another sterling example of "Optimists Bringing Out the Best in Kids."
Optimists International signed up the first Friend of Optimists in 2005. This class of membership allows individuals to show their support of the organization's mission if they are unable to commit as a traditional member.
There are currently over 80,000 individual members who belong to almost 3,000 autonomous Clubs in 20 countries. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects each year, serving six million young people. Optimists spend $78 million on their own communities annually.