The Mansfield Noon Optimist Club celebrated their 90th anniversary with a celebratory dinner and induction of 2013-2014 officers. Part of the Ohio District 24, the Mansfield Noon Optimist is just one of the two oldest chapters in the organization.
The club was founded in 1923 and for nine decades the members of this unique group have dedicated themselves to “Bringing out the best in kids”.
Optimist member Dave Calland said to fellow members as he gave the toast, ”As we think about ninety years of optimism, I think we should understand a little more about the times ninety years ago. The first domestic refrigerators were sold, Insulin was introduced to treat diabetes, the first baseball game was played in Yankee Stadium, King Tut’s tomb was opened, Time magazine was started, Miss America was Mary Cambell from Columbus, Ohio and a few Optimist in Mansfield decided to start a club.”
Tom Conn, a life member and past lieutenant governor was master of ceremonies for the evening. An induction of the 2013-2014 officers was presided over by special guest speaker Rick Buchanan, district lt. governor of the Akron chapter. Buchanan made note that the Akron chapter recently celebrated their ninetieth anniversary this past April. The transfer of the gavel from outgoing president, Bob Ball to incoming president Rob Danuloff began with a few words from Ball.
“This club is unique, they have a focus and dedication to serve the community and the youth. They work closely and diligently and they do a lot,” said Ball.
Past vice-president Rob Danuloff took the podium as the new president and said, ”This is just an amazing group of people. There is such great comaraderie and it’s all one hundred percent volunteer. When it comes to accomplishing things, they get it done. I look forward to the years ahead and continuing this great tradition.”
The Optimist Club generally raises approximately $15,000 each year through various donations and fundraising activities that directly benefit local youth. The Adopt-A-Child Program benefits 20-22 under privileged children with a Christmas shopping trip in December. The program includes breakfast donated by the Mansfield Elks, a visit from Santa Clause and Mrs Clause. Member Dave Walker sets up a model train exhibit in his home where the children are invited to see.
Approximately $100 is spent on each child on the shopping trip. This past year donations to local youth programs totaled $18,961.87. Safety Town-Mansfield, Raemelton Equestrian Center, Ohio bird Sanctuary, Little Buckeye Children’s Museum, Harmony House and, Miss Ohio Scholarship Program and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 121 were just a few of the thirty-three local groups that received a donation from the club.
The club has had eighty-six different club presidents since its beginning and currently has fifty-eight dedicated members. Several members of the club have over forty years of service under their belt.
One of those long-serving members was recognized for his dedication, time and service. Dave Calland received the Life Member Award for his many years of service and dedication to the local youth. With over twenty-five years of service, Bill Spurling was named Optimist of the Year. Spurling, former owner of Hursh Drug, has been a key player in the group’s primary fundraiser event, the Spring Home Show held each year at the Richland County Fairgrounds. The event provides booth space for local vendors and business to display their products or services.
Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker was a guest speaker and recognized the club’s contributions to the community with an honorary proclamation.
“It is really a pleasure to be apart of this celebration. You all should be so very proud to do so much for the community and the youth of the community,” said Theaker.
The proclamation recognized ninety years of significant service and contributions the group has made to the community.
Miss Ohio Heather Wells, also a guest speaker, made note of how groups such as the Optimist Club have the ability to change the lives of youth through their generosity.
“You really are changing young peoples lives. You may not know it,they may not be able to translate it to you but you are changing lives.”
The Mansfield Noon Optimist Club meets every Wednesday at the Holiday Inn on Park Avenue West for lunch.
Past vice-president Rob Danuloff took the podium as the new president and said, ”This is just an amazing group of people. There is such great comaradarie and it’s all one hundred percent volunteer. When it comes to accomplishing things, they get it done. I look forward to the years ahead and continuing this great tradition.”
