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History
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Did you know that Optimist Club of Rolla has been around since 1964? But the story really begins much earlier! The very first official Optimist Club was started all the way back in 1911 in Buffalo, New York. And over the years, these clubs came together to form what we now know as Optimist International in 1919. It's a long history of coming together to make a positive difference!
Did you know that Optimist Club of Rolla has been around since 1964? But the story really begins much earlier! The very first official Optimist Club was started all the way back in 1911 in Buffalo, New York. And over the years, these clubs came together to form what we now know as Optimist International in 1919. It's a long history of coming together to make a positive difference!
It all started when a dedicated group of men from the Sunrise Optimist Club of Jefferson City decided to bring some positivity to Rolla. Many of the original members were educators from our local schools and Missouri S&T, but people from all walks of life wanted to spread some positivity to Rolla. That’s why we’re still here today! The very first meetings took place at the Butler Carlton Civil Engineering Hall on the University of Missouri campus, which is now known as Missouri S&T. The club was encouraged by Optimist International and others to hold meetings with a meal as the idea of “breaking bread” together enhanced fellowship and it's definitely been proven to be true. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of gathering in a variety of great spots, including the Edwin Long Hotel what is now known as Phelps County Bank, Penelope’s Restaurant, Colton's Steak House, and many others.
It all started when a dedicated group of men from the Sunrise Optimist Club of Jefferson City decided to bring some positivity to Rolla. Many of the original members were educators from our local schools and Missouri S&T, but people from all walks of life wanted to spread some positivity to Rolla. That’s why we’re still here today! The very first meetings took place at the Butler Carlton Civil Engineering Hall on the University of Missouri campus, which is now known as Missouri S&T. The club was encouraged by Optimist International and others to hold meetings with a meal as the idea of “breaking bread” together enhanced fellowship and it's definitely been proven to be true. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of gathering in a variety of great spots, including the Edwin Long Hotel what is now known as Phelps County Bank, Penelope’s Restaurant, Colton's Steak House, and many others.
Back in 1965, our club rolled out its very first youth baseball program for kids aged 9 and 10, teaming up with other local groups like the Kiwanis Club and Rolla Area Jaycees to host different age groups. That collaboration helped us establish a board of directors that brought together representatives from all three clubs, plus the Rotary and Lions Clubs. What started as the Rolla Khoury League has since evolved into Rolla Youth Baseball/Softball (RYBS). Another exciting chapter began thanks to the wonderful support from the Rolla Athletic Department—back in 1972, we launched Optimist Basketball right in the school gym. Over the years, this program has grown tremendously and now welcomes hundreds of young participants! The Optimist Club of Rolla has also been a big supporter of other sports like soccer, golf, volleyball, and tennis. Some of these programs have wrapped up or been taken over by other youth sponsors, but we’re proud to have played a role in supporting young athletes in our community! Our academic programs started with the Oratorical Contest that Optimist International has hosted since 1928 and Optimist Club of Rolla started participating in 1965. Thanks to the local educators for participating. This is one of many Optimist International Contests that the Optimist Club of Rolla participates in. In addition to these programs the club hosts many others locally to support our youth.
Back in 1965, our club rolled out its very first youth baseball program for kids aged 9 and 10, teaming up with other local groups like the Kiwanis Club and Rolla Area Jaycees to host different age groups. That collaboration helped us establish a board of directors that brought together representatives from all three clubs, plus the Rotary and Lions Clubs. What started as the Rolla Khoury League has since evolved into Rolla Youth Baseball/Softball (RYBS). Another exciting chapter began thanks to the wonderful support from the Rolla Athletic Department—back in 1972, we launched Optimist Basketball right in the school gym. Over the years, this program has grown tremendously and now welcomes hundreds of young participants! The Optimist Club of Rolla has also been a big supporter of other sports like soccer, golf, volleyball, and tennis. Some of these programs have wrapped up or been taken over by other youth sponsors, but we’re proud to have played a role in supporting young athletes in our community! Our academic programs started with the Oratorical Contest that Optimist International has hosted since 1928 and Optimist Club of Rolla started participating in 1965. Thanks to the local educators for participating. This is one of many Optimist International Contests that the Optimist Club of Rolla participates in. In addition to these programs the club hosts many others locally to support our youth.
According to the bylaws of Optimist International, all the money we raise through public fundraising efforts is dedicated to helping our youth programs and community service projects. Fundraising is really important to us, and we put a lot of thought and planning into each idea before moving forward. Our very first community service project was back in May 1964, when a small, dedicated team of about ten of us spent a Saturday repairing the roof of the Historical Society Museum which is right across the street from the old Phelps County Courthouse. Over the years, one of our biggest highlights has been our Christmas tree lot. It’s become such a cherished tradition and a wonderful way for us to spread holiday cheer and give back to our community!
According to the bylaws of Optimist International, all the money we raise through public fundraising efforts is dedicated to helping our youth programs and community service projects. Fundraising is really important to us, and we put a lot of thought and planning into each idea before moving forward. Our very first community service project was back in May 1964, when a small, dedicated team of about ten of us spent a Saturday repairing the roof of the Historical Society Museum which is right across the street from the old Phelps County Courthouse. Over the years, one of our biggest highlights has been our Christmas tree lot. It’s become such a cherished tradition and a wonderful way for us to spread holiday cheer and give back to our community!
Want to know more? Click here to read more on the History of the Optimist Club of Rolla by Jerry Bayless.
Want to know more? Click here to read more on the History of the Optimist Club of Rolla by Jerry Bayless.
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