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Optimist Club Feels Economy's Pinch

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: December 3, 2008

With a slumping economy, even members of the Central Pasco Optimist Club are finding it hard to be optimistic.

After years of being able to help families with toys and clothing at Christmas, the club will not help anyone this year. Adrian and Karen Kirkland have been members since 2000. Both said they have been active in the planning of the various fundraisers. Adrian serves as the lieutenant governor of the club's north Florida district. Karen is the Central Pasco club's secretary/treasurer.

"We normally would have a big event where we would give kids some toys and new clothes," Karen said. "We would also provide the families with a turkey dinner. It is so sad when you look at the wish lists of these kids and see that they just want a notebook or some pencils so they can have what they need for school. It is just sad because last year we helped 33 families, but it is such a big expense and we have no money so we can't help anyone this year."

The club usually raises money all year long with various fundraisers including selling corn-on-the-cob at the Flap Jack Festival and the Bug Jam as well as having a paper pig shoot and karaoke contests. But since none of the usual events did well this year, the club finds itself unable to help anyone this Christmas.

Even though the couple said they are sad they can't help anyone, they are hopeful next year will be better.

"It is a sad thing right now because what we really need is members," Karen said. "We have maybe eight to 10 members we can count on and what we really need is more people. This is not just a service club, we also have good fellowship. Every year we all get together and have a party at our house with a bonfire and good food and we all have a good time together. Maybe if we get some new members, we could get some fresh ideas."

The club raises money in order to recognize and give awards to area youth, teachers and deputies as well as helping underprivileged children with dental, vision and medical care. Through the International Optimist Club, the group also offers scholarships through an oratorical and essay contest.

"Our club is 100 percent volunteer," Adrian said. "We have no overhead and we utilize our own facilities, so 99.99 percent of the money we raise goes to help kids. For years, we have been focused on helping underprivileged children by helping them with medical work and in ABC funds in schools. We have the Youth Appreciation Awards where we give students who have gone above and beyond an award and a letter from Gus Bilirakis. Through our Respect For The Law program, we give awards to people who have done an outstanding job at the Pasco Sherriff's Department."

In order to raise a little more money before the end of the year, the club is hosting a chance drawing for a Taurus .38 caliber revolver Dec. 9 at the next meeting. The winner does not need to be present for the raffle. Tickets cost $5 for one, $10 for three, $15 for five and $20 for seven. The winner will have to submit to a background check and three-day waiting period when the gun is picked up from a local gun retailer.

For information, call Karen or Adrian at (813) 996-3355.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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