Projects
Members conduct numerous projects throughout the year. Service projects fall into two main categories: youth programs supported by Optimist International and our Club’s own initiated community service projects. Fundraising projects allow for accumulation of finances, and social events provide interaction among members.
Projects may vary year to year, depending upon the decision of the Board. Details of some projects follow.
Optimist International (OI) Projects Essay Contest This project strives to motivate students 19 and under to practice the skill of writing, put creative thoughts into words and to compete for honors. First, second and third place winners may receive monetary awards. This is the Tamarac Club winner who won a District 1st Place Title . Oratorical Contest Designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking and provide them with the opportunity to compete for college scholarships. It is open to students 19 and under. Club, Zone and District competitions are held in the spring. These are the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners from Tamarac in 2019 Junior Golf This tournament provides youth 10 to 18 with an opportunity to develop a skill, compete and have fun. There are District and International competitions. 10-11 year old boys and girls competing annually. Childhood Wellness Campaign Our Club provides a donation to the OI Foundation to support Childhood Cancer. Brent’s Place, our project supporting Childhood Cancer, is a local facility for families with hospitalized and seriously ill children. We support their various needs, events and activities throughout the year. Serving pancake breakfast to participants in Brent's Place Block Party. Local Community Service Projects Super Citizen This project recognizes and rewards students for good citizenship and positive attitudes in school. Students at local elementary schools are selected by their teachers for recognition. They receive a T-shirt, book, and certificate from the Club. Have You Filled Your Bucket Today Books This purpose of this project is to instill a desire in students to read. First graders in our sponsored schools receive books to keep. The Invisible String Books This purpose of the book for kindergarteners is to connect them with others for support and love wherever they may be. They are given copies of book for their own. Brain Bowl The Brain Bowl supports academic excellence for middle school students throughout Wyoming and Colorado. Teams compete in metro Denver and Boulder. Clothes to Kids Tamarac members assist this organization to provide new and quality used clothing to referred school-age children in the Denver Public School system, free of charge. www.clothestokidsdenver.org Pen Pals Members choose to become writing pen pals with 5th graders. Pictured are members with their pen pals at the year-end popsicle party. Reading with Elementary Students By working one-on-one with students at Holly Ridge Elementary School, reading and writing skills are enhanced. Happy Bucks At the end of every weekly meeting, a Happy Bucks jar is passed among members. This is an opportunity for anyone who wants to share a family event, approval of the speaker/program for that meeting, announcement of interest to members, or just to share their optimism. When $500 has been collected, the Happy Bucks committee chooses a small non-profit group that would benefit from this donation, and presents a check at a meeting. |
Other Projects
Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership -
This scholarship hopes to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society with understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership.
UNC Scholarships -
Financial assistance is awarded to education students studying for a degree from the Denver UNC Urban Center Campus.
Collections As appropriate throughout the year, various items may be collected and given to schools or other nonprofit organizations. Examples are travel size toiletries, work transition clothing, box tops for education and others.
Runs/Walks for Charity
On Board approval, volunteers support local nonprofit organizations with participation as requested.
Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership -
This scholarship hopes to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society with understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership.
UNC Scholarships -
Financial assistance is awarded to education students studying for a degree from the Denver UNC Urban Center Campus.
Collections As appropriate throughout the year, various items may be collected and given to schools or other nonprofit organizations. Examples are travel size toiletries, work transition clothing, box tops for education and others.
Runs/Walks for Charity
On Board approval, volunteers support local nonprofit organizations with participation as requested.