Additional Services
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Key Benefits
This Optimist International Contest affords hearing-impaired children a fun opportunity to present their thoughts in the community. Participating young people gain communication skills which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. It is similar in structure to Optimist International's Oratorical Contest. The Optimist International Foundation funds a $1,500 scholarship to any district which meets the minimum participation criteria.
Bicycle Safety
Key Benefits
Each spring Haysville Optimist Club Members support and work at a bicycle safety program for the Haysville community. This safety program is sponsored by the Haysville Activity Center, the Haysville Police Dept., and various insurance companies. Bicycles are inspected to ensure proper working order of all parts, and free helmets are distributed to those needing them. A large number of the helmets are donated by businesses, service organizations, and/or private individuals. About 70 children usually participate in this event.
Peace Officer of the Year
Key Benefits
The Chief or Captain of the Haysville Police Department is requested in September to initiate selection of an Officer of the Year. The officer is selected by his/her peers, not by any one person. A plaque and $150.00 is presented to the officer.
Special Olympics
Key Benefits
The Haysville Optimist Club proudly supports the Campus Colts Special Olympics; a check presentation in the amount of $500.00 is made to the Campus Colts Special Olympics Administrator at a dinner meeting.
USD 261 Employee/Volunteer of the Year
Key Benefits
This recognition is similar to our Educator of the Year. It was established to honor a school district employee or volunteer (administrators & teachers are excluded). A framed certificate and $100 is presented to the honoree.
Employee/ Volunteer of the Year Chairman brardin@cox.net
Holiday Food Baskets
Key Benefits
Each year the Haysville Optimist Club donates $500 to the Haysville Senior Center to help support its Holiday Food Basket Programs. We feel this is a great way to express true holiday spirit!
Summer Reading Program
Key Benefits
Each year we help fund the Haysville Public Library's Summer Reading Program. Our annual budget allowance has varied from $300 to $1,200. About 400 children participate in this activity annually. Developing reading skills is a most basic necessity, and we are delighted to foster that development.
Haysville Fall Festival
Key Benefits
Since 1987 the Haysville Optimist Club has annually purchased advertising ranging from $500 to $1,500 from the Haysville Fall Festival Committee which organizes our Haysville Fall Festival. Advertising income makes our October celebration a reality. In the past The Haysville Optimist Club has sponsored bingo on Friday night and made a "Moon Walk" available for children on Saturday and Sunday. Friday bingo proceeds benefit youth. Our annual Police Officer of the Year Award is made in conjunction with the Fall Festival as well. Visit us during our fun weekend!
Optimist Fall Festival Activities Chairman TGibson12@cox.net
Neighborhood Charity Club
Key Benefits
This year (2001) we were introduced to a very special teen club right here in Haysville. It was started by two local girls and is doing great things. They have independent bake sales and also market their products in conjunction with other community functions. They tailor their product production to each specific marketing opportunity. Their profits are donated to an annually selected, specific charity. These gals are setting a wonderful example for all young people, and we provided them with $100 for baking supplies. Their products are great, and they are made available at our Child Safety Seat Checks and Breakfast with Santa.
Neighborhood Charity Club www.expage.com/charityclub
D.A.R.E.
Key Benefits
Each year we make $100 available to the Haysville Police Dept. in support of D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). This highly acclaimed program gives children the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.
Probation Community Service Fulfillment
Key Benefits
This program was started in 2001 and works in conjunction with the Haysville Municipal Court Probation Officer. The Probation Officer advises those on probation that they can fulfill their required community service by working at club events or doing other club work. Upon completion of the assigned work the club secretary submits in writing to the probation officer (on letterhead stationery) confirmation of 1) hours of work done, 2) date the work was done, and 3) type of work done. This program is beneficial to the court, the person on probation, the Haysville Optimist Club, and the community.
I Promise Program
Key Benefits
The Haysville Optimist Club supports the I Promise Program by making I Promise materials available to the general public at our Car Seat Checks and other club functions when appropriate. The I Promise Program promotes safe driving so that both parents and teens can enjoy reduced insurance premiums, and both can hopefully live full unrestricted by disability or death due to car crashes. It is unique in that it is only available to families with new, young drivers. This program facilitates parent/teen agreement on driving safety issues. A contract between parent/s and teen is agreed to, and a contract decal is displayed on vehicle, rear windows. This decal displays a toll-free number whereby confidential, community, driving reports can be made to the parent/s.
Haysville Spring Show
Key Benefits
In May 2002 the first Haysville Spring Show was held. It is organized annually by the Haysville Spring Show Committee. The Optimist Club supports this community event financially and offers its labors as well. The funds from the Spring Show are used for city improvements and projects.
Childhood Cancer Campaign
Key Benefits
In union with Optimist international, the Haysville Optimist Club began its Childhood Cancer Campaign in 2003. Locally, we raffle handmade items at club meetings and have a Childhood Cancer Jar available at our bingo sessions to accept donations. Proceeds are utilized at the discretion of the club. We are currently accumulating funds to send a child to a recreational, cancer camp.
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Each year we entertain numerous, additional funding requests. We have sponsored picnic meals and zoo admittance for youngsters of McConnell AFB Reserves Personnel, funded equipment for the local Swim Club, helped provide t-shirts for the local Car Club by purchasing advertising, and supported out of town youth sports teams. One year the Campus High School Singers did a Holiday Concert during intermission at one of our bingo sessions. Local bingo patrons donated over $500 to help send those young people to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. In 2001 Optimists funded and poured a patio for the city's new Community Building in the Historical District. In 2002 we partially funded the White Sox Little League Baseball Team.