Optimists donate to 11 Madison schools

Bob Jones PTSA members Carolyn Tolbert, from left, Alisa Henrie and president Amanda Kay accept a check from Scott Piro, president of Optimist Club of Madison. Principal Sylvia Lambert also witnessed the donation. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Members of Optimist Club of Madison recently presented cash donations to all elementary and secondary schools in the Madison City Schools’ district.

Optimists wanted the money to help in funding programs on all 11 campuses.

An Optimist member visited each school to present the $300 check to PTAs and Parent-Teacher-Student Associations during their monthly meetings in January and February.

“As we all know, PTAs are there to assist every school’s teachers and administrators to provide the best education possible,” Optimist publicist Vic van Leeuwen said.

In addition, the Optimists gave an extra $100 to Brian Givens, Bob Jones Assistant Principal, to help fund the open house for Discovery Middle School eighth-graders to get a day-in-the-life experience at Bob Jones.

Optimist officers include president Scott Piro, secretary Mike Doyle and treasurer Ann Van Leeuwen.

“The Optimist Club of Madison is a civic organization that conducts events in support of the Madison area’s young citizens in their efforts to become productive members of our society,” van Leeuwen Said.

In other projects throughout the year, Madison Optimists sponsors essay and oratorical contests, charity golf tournaments and the Safety Optimist Style expo each spring.

Optimist clubs are dedicated to the motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Adult volunteers conduct positive service projects in the Madison community aimed at providing a helping hand for youth to be the best that they can be.

The club meets on the first and third Thursdays monthly at 6:30 p.m. at Picasso’s Grill at 12060 County Line Road. For more information, call 772-8148 or 461-8787, email cmontgom@knology.net or visit Facebook/Optimist Club of Madison.