SERVING FARMINGTON & FARMINGTON HILLS SINCE 1983
Helping Local Kids. Strengthening Our Community.
The Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club brings people together to create opportunities for young people, recognize those who make our community better, and support programs that help local children learn, grow and thrive.
For more than 40 years, our members have turned optimism into action throughout Farmington and Farmington Hills.
OPTIMISM IN ACTION
Local People Making a Local Difference
The Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organization made up of people who share a simple belief: when we invest our time, talents and resources in young people, we strengthen our entire community.
Our members come from many different backgrounds, professions and stages of life. What brings us together is a desire to give back to the communities where we live and work—and to provide hope, encouragement and opportunities for the young people who call them home.
Some members volunteer at youth programs. Others help organize contests, community events and fundraisers. Some work behind the scenes, build relationships with local organizations or simply lend a hand wherever one is needed.
There are many ways to be an Optimist.
Our goal is the same:
Help bring out the best in our youth, our community and ourselves.
OUR IMPACT
Supporting Youth From Many Different Directions
Helping young people takes more than one program. Throughout the year, the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club supports activities that recognize achievement, develop leadership, encourage service and respond to needs throughout our community.
Our programs and activities evolve as the needs of our community change, but our commitment to local youth remains constant.
Honor & Recognize
We recognize the people who serve our community and encourage young people to appreciate service, citizenship and leadership.
Programs include:
- Respect for Law
- Respect for Fire
- Veterans Breakfast
- Principal Breakfast
Contests & Scholarships
We give students opportunities to develop their voices, demonstrate their abilities and pursue their goals.
Programs include:
- Earl Friedman Oratorical Contest
- Leslie Rebtoy Essay Contest
- Leadership opportunities
- Scholarships
Youth Programs
Some of our most important work gives young people the opportunity to participate directly, learn new skills and discover what they can accomplish.
Programs include:
- Junior Optimist International
- Junior Naturalist
- Project Fish / Gone Fishin'
Community Outreach
Optimism means showing up for our community. Our members participate in events, partnerships and projects throughout Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Activities and partnerships include:
- Memorial Day Parade
- Family Campout
- Orrie Donley Golf Outing
- Farmington Business Expo
- CARES in Farmington Hills
- Neighborhood House
- Foster Closet
- Childhood Cancer Campaign
Celebrating Community & Fellowship
Serving others is at the heart of Optimism, but building friendships and celebrating together are important parts of our club as well.
Our club activities include the annual Installation Dinner, Holiday Musical and other opportunities for members, families and community partners to spend time together.
WORKING TOGETHER
Supporting Organizations That Strengthen Our Community
Our impact also extends beyond the programs we operate ourselves. The Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club provides financial and volunteer support to organizations and initiatives working to improve the lives of children, families and our community.
Our annual support has included:
Farmington Goodfellows
Friends of the Library
Turn Around Awards
Neighborhood House
Chamber of Commerce
Farmington Public Schools At-Risk Program
Junior Optimist Leaders
Education Foundation
Youth Backpack Program
Student Assistance Program
Every partnership gives us another way to put optimism into action and help meet real needs close to home.
PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
Local Service. An International Movement.
The Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club is part of Optimist International, a worldwide organization dedicated to serving young people and strengthening communities.
Optimist International was formally established in 1919. From its earliest years, youth service became a central part of the organization and continues to guide Optimist Clubs today.
Its mission expresses what brings Optimists together:
“By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.”
Our club puts that mission into action right here in Farmington and Farmington Hills—responding to the needs of our own community while sharing the values of Optimists around the world.
A PHILOSOPHY FOR LIFE
The Optimist Creed
The Optimist Creed was written by Christian D. Larson in 1912 as “Promise Yourself” and was adopted as the official creed of Optimist International in 1922.
More than a century later, its words continue to express the positive outlook Optimists strive to bring to our lives, our relationships and our service to others.
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself—
- To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
- To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
- To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
- To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
- To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.
- To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
- To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
- To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
- To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
- To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
— Christian D. Larson
Members of the Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimist Club continue the tradition of reciting the Creed at the conclusion of club gatherings.
MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
Serving Farmington & Farmington Hills Since 1983
Our story began in February 1983, when seven local residents gathered at Bill Knapp's Restaurant on Orchard Lake Road to discuss forming an Optimist Club to serve the Farmington and Farmington Hills community.
With encouragement from the West Bloomfield Optimist Club, the group recruited the members needed to establish a local organization.
On May 11, 1983, the Farmington/Farmington Hills Breakfast Optimist Club was officially chartered.
The club's first meetings were held at the Honey Tree Restaurant in the former Tally Hall on Orchard Lake Road.
A great deal has changed since 1983. Meeting places have changed. Programs have grown and evolved. New generations of members have stepped forward.
But one thing has remained constant:
Our commitment to helping young people and making our community better.
More than four decades later, Farmington/Farmington Hills Optimists are still showing up, volunteering, raising funds, recognizing achievement, supporting local organizations and creating opportunities for children throughout our community.
COME MEET US
See What Being an Optimist Is All About
You don't have to become a member before getting to know us.
If you're interested in helping young people, becoming more involved in Farmington and Farmington Hills, or simply meeting other people who care about their community, we invite you to attend one of our club gatherings.
You'll find people from many different backgrounds who enjoy fellowship and informative speakers—but our real focus is always on putting optimism to work for local kids.
Morning Gatherings
Morning gatherings are generally held 7:30–8:30 AM on Wednesdays except the 1st and 3rd weeks of the month.
First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
26165 Farmington Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
A continental breakfast is provided, with a donation requested.
Evening Gatherings
An evening gathering is held during the 3rd week of the month.
Times and locations vary, giving members with different schedules another opportunity to participate.
Please check our club calendar or newsletter for the current evening gathering location and details.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Help Us Bring Out the Best in Local Kids
Strong communities don't happen by accident. They happen when people decide to get involved.
Whether you can volunteer regularly, help with a particular project, share your professional skills, support a fundraiser or simply lend a hand when you're able, your involvement can help us do more for the young people of Farmington and Farmington Hills.
You don't need a particular profession, background or amount of free time.
You just need a desire to make a positive difference.
Come to a gathering. Meet some Optimists. Learn what we're doing.
You may discover that this is exactly the kind of community involvement you've been looking for.
How to Apply for Membership & Pay
- Complete the Club Application
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