VP Gene Vance with Gary Turbville

Gary Turbville was awarded the Second Annual Friend Of Youth Award in recognition of his work to help children. Gary has created a wonderful organization (Cans For Kids) funded in large part by Gary recycling empty beverage cans. He started by picking up cans along the road and has expanded his effort to include setting up can collection areas at local businesses and churches. One hundred percent of the funds Gary raises goes toward providing assistance to families during the year as well as providing presents and food at Christmas time for between 140 and 250 children.

The Downtown Optimist Club is proud to recognize the efforts of Gary Turbville and Cans For Kids by awarding Gary the DTOC Friend Of Youth Award for 2011.

In 2010 and again in 2011, the DTOC doubled their annual Christmas donations to these organizations and gave each organization $1,000 to help offset some of the higher costs these groups are experiencing due to increased requests for help. With the stagnate economy, greater need and lower donations, the membership of the DTOC decided to increase their level of support and in doing so, challenge other community groups to increase their support as well.

The presentation of the donations took place on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011, the same day DTOC membership volunteered to ring bells for The Salvation Army. Vice President Gene Vance gave out the donations and asked all the representatives of the groups to provide an overview of the work they are doing for children.

For more information on the Golden Spikes here is a link to their website.
http://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?cmenuid=1&url=goldenspikesbaseballclub&sid=1031204415

Thanks again,
Scotty Bailey

Golden Spikes

It seems just like yesterday when we were all getting together to eat some of the finest pancakes and sausage all in an effort to help the Downtown Optimist Club raise money to help Youth Programs all over our community! Well, believe it or not, it’s that time again.

You may be approached one day soon by an Optimist Club Member who wants you to purchase tickets.

Please consider buying several because:

• It’s a great deal on a great meal!
• It’s a great way help all kinds of Youth Activities
• It’s a great way to give back a little.
• It’s a great time to visit with your friends.
• It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community at large.

If you want to get your tickets early, you can reserve yours online, by visiting our Pancake Jubilee page and click on the “Buy Now” button. Enter the number of tickets you need, and then follow the instructions to use your credit card to pay for the tickets online. Once the purchase is complete, a notice will be sent to us and we’ll reserve your tickets in your name at our front counter. Just show up, show your receipt and you’ll be eating hot pancakes and sausage before you know it!

Join us for one of the longest running traditions in Meridian and Lauderdale County: The Annual Downtown Optimist Pancake Jubilee!

Event: DTOC Pancake Jubilee
Date: Tuesday, February 22nd
Time: 6:30am until 7:00pm
Location: Temple Ballroom – Downtown

Be there!