Hello Fellow Optimist!
I can’t thank you all enough for such an incredible year it has been so far. You have done so much to help the kids in your communities get more out of life. Whether it is more success in school, ability to participate in sports or being a pilot over San Diego for a few minutes, our youth directly benefit from your time, money and enthusiasm! It has been an honor for me to attend some of your events, get to know you and your Club better and share in the fellowship.
Being an Optimist allows us to enjoy fellowship and service with an attitude that mirrors our creed. Working with like-minded and inspired men and women, we continue to be a leading force in our communities. Our satisfaction comes from knowing we make a difference. You can see it in the faces of our Oratorical, Essay and Competition for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing contestants and when we have our Club Youth Appreciation Award ceremonies. Through our meetings and District events we give these kids a stage to showcase their talents and award their achievements. Growth and life changing opportunities they otherwise may not have. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
But our accomplishments don’t happen by themselves. Dedicated leadership from Club Officers and Committee Chairs deserve a big THANK YOU! Your planning, scheduling, completing reports, recruiting helpers, keeping the financing straight, communications and convincing gets things done. And you that were able to participate with your fellow Club members in these events leave a lasting impression on your community. My thanks to all!
I want to also point out that sharing this enthusiasm for helping our youth with other folks and welcoming them into your Club is the foundation for future community success. You have done a super job at making sure we continue to do good things by bringing in 110 new members so far this year! We have 5 Clubs at Honor status now and 7 other Clubs that only need 3 members before September 30th to reach that goal. Twelve Honor Clubs, wouldn’t that be amazing. Invite someone you know to your next meeting, your community will benefit from it!
With only a few months left in this Optimist year we now are preparing for our Annual District Convention in Anaheim September 8-10. Check our website www.calso41.us for details. This is where I have the opportunity to recognize many of your for your outstanding efforts in making this such a great year. This is where our Club Officer Elects get the help and guidance they need to start their year off running. This is where committee Chairs can learn new ideas and share their experiences with others. This is where all members can share in the celebration of the current year, make new friends and a get renewed sense of inspiration for what being an Optimist is all about. Please come and join us, it can’t be an amazing convention without YOU.
See you all in Anaheim!
Warmest Regards,
Governor Alan