Optimists put youth first

Ralph How’s interest in fireworks began when he was just 10 years old.

“My mom had a fireworks stand,” said How, “And I was the official fireworks tester.”

Eighteen years ago, when How joined the Sunset Optimist Club of Blue Springs, he suggested a fireworks tent fundraiser. Ever since, the annual fireworks tent has been the club’s biggest fundraiser each year.

“(Without the fireworks), there’re a lot of programs that wouldn’t be able to happen,” said How. “There would be a big void.”

Inside the tent is a sign detailing what happens to the proceeds of the fireworks sale. Listed are 13 projects, but club members are quick to mention several others.

All Optimist Club projects are focused on local youth. These projects are funded by the club’s annual budget of $55,000. Much of this money is raised during the fireworks sale, and every cent is returned to the community.

Club members speak enthusiastically of the different programs, but some programs have become even more beloved than others.

“I’m a fishing derby man,” said the club’s upcoming president Bob Eddington, speaking of the annual children’s derby. “I like to fish. I think it’s a very good thing for kids. It helps get the parents and kids together outside in an activity they can enjoy.”

Current President Ron Bjorland favors the club’s dictionary project, which gives every fourth-grader in the Blue Springs School District and each of the Blue Springs private schools a dictionary.

“It’s a lot of fun to hand them out and answer all (the kids’) questions,” Bjorland said.

Everyone agrees the Youth Corps program, which gets dozens of local high school students involved in volunteer services, has been extremely successful. Youth Corps takes place within Blue Springs high schools. The youth are funded by the Optimist Club, and a representative from the Corps is present at each Optimist meeting in order to keep club members up to date on the projects the youth are involved in.

“It teaches the kids how to be involved in the community,” said board member Pat Bjorland, “We figure the kids are the next generation, and this is our part of making the country and city great.”

The influence of the Optimist Club does indeed spread across the country and beyond with international branches in places such as Canada, England and Mexico. All clubs claim the same mission of “bringing out the best in kids.”

Blue Springs members meet on two Mondays a month at Clancy’s Cafe and Pub. The first meeting of a month acts as a business meeting. During the second meeting, a guest speaker shares projects or project ideas with club members. Dues are $20 a quarter.

A close-knit group of 22, they are eager to add to their numbers, and hope to gain new members in the coming year. Those who want to join are required to send an application and $15 registration fee to Optimist International, but members claim that the Optimist Club would not turn anyone away.

“We’re glad to have anyone who wants to help,” said Ron Bjorland.

His wife, Pat, explains that becoming a member is relatively easy.

“We’re kind of more friendly and laid back,” she said. “And that’s because we’re doing it for the kids, not for ourselves.”

This is a sentiment echoed again by several members, who speak of the joy they feel in helping others.

“It’s people’s lives your touching,” said How. “You’re making a difference. It makes you feel strong.”

MORE INFO -
The Sunset Optimist Club’s fireworks tent fundraiser is at Price Chopper North, 1307 N. Missouri 7, and is open July 4 from 10 a.m. until midnight. The fundraiser helps support the following programs - Youth Corps, Just Say No, scholarships, Camp Quality, Adopt-A-School, Salvation Army Bell Ring, Youth Appreciation, Oratorical Contest, Respect for Law, fishing derbies, Adopt-A-Street, essay contests, and dictionaries.