About Us

what do optimist clubs do?

Optimist Clubs are dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" and do their part through community service programs. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit. Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it. To learn more about how we help youth in our community, please click here to visit our programs page.

About the C-U Optimist Club:

The Champaign-Urbana Optmist Club is one of more than 4,000 Optimist Clubs all over the world. Optimist International, founded in 1919, is one of the world's largest service club organizations whose sole purpose is service their communities. Carrying the motto "Optmists Bring out the Best in Kids", our clubs serve more than six million young people annually. Optimists across the country conduct 65,000 community service projects each year, spending $78 million in their communities. The Champaign-Urbana Optimist Club was established in 1947 and chartered in 1948.

The Champaign Urbana Optimist Club conducts positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. Our Club members are best known in their communities for their upbeat attitudes. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live.

2014-2015 BOARD MEMBERS:

President
Bobbie Herakovich

First Vice President
Fred Neumann

Secretary/Treasurer
Walt Splittstoesser

Sgt. at Arms
Miriam Paluch

Board of Directors:
Miriam Paluch
Gene Morgan
Tori Exum
Barbara Gillespie
Grace Mitchell
Connie Minnes

Club Member Roster
Kevin Buskirk
Greg Cales
Carlos Donaldson, Jr.
Ronald Eagan
Bill Fondren
Bette Long
Jim Manley
Kelly Mayor
Mason Minnes
Penn Nelson

Tim Nugent
Joyce Remesch
Howard Schweighart
Jack Widholm