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Coming Up Next
Join us for a club meeting or one of our events!
- Thu, Feb 06https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFeb 06, 2025, 5:00 PMhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTopic for the 2024-2025 school year is: "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success” https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYpYi1hBs7Cwh7hAGhOghiXxCC-aKhiTkNmzrk-W5nxi1_aw/viewform?usp=sf_link
- Multiple DatesThu, Feb 13Trinity United Methodist ChurchFeb 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMTrinity United Methodist Church, 226 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAGather monthly for our crochet night, crafting blankets for children with cancer. All levels of crocheters welcome. Join us in weaving warmth and hope for these young fighters.
- Multiple DatesTue, Feb 18Sumter Chamber of CommerceFeb 18, 2025, 6:45 PM – 7:45 PMSumter Chamber of Commerce, 32 E Calhoun St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAJoin us at the Chamber of Commerce on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to learn how you can bring out the best in youth, the Sumter community and yourself.
- Sat, Mar 15Location is TBDMar 15, 2025, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation is TBDTopic "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times"
- Sat, Mar 29Sumter Memorial ParkMar 29, 2025, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMSumter Memorial Park, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USAJoin us for Art in the Park, a vibrant community celebration of creativity and culture! This family-friendly event will feature Arts & Crafts vendors showcasing handmade goods and local artistry, perfect for browsing and buying unique treasures. Children will enjoy hands-on activities with free craf
- Sat, May 10Downtown Sumter - Opera HouseMay 10, 2025, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMDowntown Sumter - Opera House, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAMark your calendars for Friday, May 10th, 2025, from 5-9:00 pm for the Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival, brought to you by the Palmetto Optimist Club. Taste 20 Microbrews from Yahnis. Enjoy music and snacks at each location. Put on your best 80s Attire. Visit with friends.
- Sat, Dec 21Westside Christian School Parking LotDec 21, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMWestside Christian School Parking Lot, 554 Pinewood Rd, Sumter, SC 29154, USAJoin us as we teach Bicycle safety skills to approximately 300 children as they receive new bikes and helmets for Christmas.
- Multiple DatesSat, Dec 14Location is TBDDec 14, 2024, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation is TBDEvery other month, we unite to clean up our community roads and highways, fostering pride and environmental responsibility. Join us in making a difference, one piece of litter at a time.
- Fri, Nov 01Trinity United Methodist ChurchNov 01, 2024, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PMTrinity United Methodist Church, 226 W Liberty St, Sumter, SC 29150, USATwo groups, a middle school and high school group, meet to learn leadership lessons and give back to the Sumter community.
- Multiple DatesTue, Oct 15SumterOct 15, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMSumter, 32 E Calhoun St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAAll are welcome to join us as we discuss upcoming events.
- Sat, Sep 14Sumter Rotary PlazaSep 14, 2024, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PMSumter Rotary Plaza, 1 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USATickets For Sale at Event. "Savor Sumter Burger Cook-off" is a mouthwatering event dedicated to raising funds for childhood cancer. Teams from the community come together to compete for the title of the best burger, offering an array of delicious creations to tantalize taste buds.
- Fri, May 10SumterMay 10, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USAMark your calendars for Friday, May 10th, 2024, from 6-8:30 pm for the Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival, brought to you by the Palmetto Optimist Club. Military or Senior Discount of $5 - Use the coupon code "military" or "Senior" on the check-out page. Valid ID checked at the door.
- Sat, Apr 20SumterApr 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USA"Reading in the Park" is a cherished event where every child receives free books, igniting their passion for reading and learning. As part of the larger celebration of creativity and culture known as "Art in the Park," attendees can donate or swap books, promoting literacy and community engagement.
- Multiple DatesThu, Dec 14SumterDec 14, 2023, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMSumter, 1835 Camden Hwy, Sumter, SC 29153, USAFor new and experienced crocheters and knitters. We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Yarn, hooks, patterns and snacks are provided. Want to learn? Come on! Hats and lap blankets are donated to children battling cancer through Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
- Multiple DatesSat, Sep 23SumterSep 23, 2023, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMSumter, 21 N Main St, Sumter, SC 29150, USADuring the free concert series hosted by Downtown Sumter, we sell cotton candy and popcorn and give away free children's books.
- Sat, Sep 16SumterSep 16, 2023, 3:00 PM – 7:00 PMSumter, 10 S Harvin St, Sumter, SC 29150, USABurger Cookoff benefiting Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
- Sat, Apr 22SumterApr 22, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSumter, 417 W Hampton Ave, Sumter, SC 29150, USAFree Books for Children! Purchase our amazing Optimist Burgers and Fries as you enjoy Art in the Park!
Scholarships
Topics are announced by Optimist International each August. Applications and Instructions are published at that time and contests are held between January and March of each year.
Essay Scholarship Contest
$150 at the Club level and up to $2,500 at the District level.
Oratorical Scholarship Contest
$150 at the Club level and up to $22,500 at the International level.
Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
$150 at the Club level and up to $2,500 at the District level.
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