.png)
PALMETTO OPTIMIST
Friend of Youth
Signature Events
Our Signature Projects and Programs reflect who we are as a club and how we serve our community. Each project has a chair who helps coordinate planning and volunteers, but every member is welcome to jump in. Whether you prefer hands-on service, event support, planning, or behind-the-scenes help, there’s a place for you.
Savor Sumter Gourmet Burger Cookoff
A community favorite fundraising event that brings together local chefs, sponsors, and families to support childhood cancer initiatives. Members can help with planning, logistics, sponsorships, setup, day-of operations, and promotions.
Chair: Bonnie Jean Sherbert
Art in the Park
An annual juried arts and crafts festival that celebrates creativity while raising funds for youth-focused programs. Volunteer roles include artist support, event setup, hospitality, information booths, children’s activities, and marketing.
Chair: Bonnie Jean Sherbert
Reading in the Park
A literacy-focused program that encourages a love of reading among children through book giveaways, read-alouds, and community engagement. Members can help with book drives, event staffing, reading sessions, and outreach.
Chair: Amy Ard
Sumter Microbrew Festival
A large-scale fundraising event featuring craft beverages, live music, and local partnerships. Volunteer opportunities include planning, sponsor coordination, ticketing, logistics, and event-day support.
Chair: Linda Schermerhorn
Crosswell Pajamas
A seasonal outreach project providing pajamas to children in need through Crosswell Children’s Home. Members assist with collection, organization, and delivery of donated items.
Chair: Pam Wilfong
Crochet Night
A monthly service project where members and community volunteers create handmade blankets for veterans and children battling cancer. No experience required, just a willingness to learn, create, and connect.
Chair: Beth Martinez
Respect for Law
A program recognizing outstanding local law enforcement officers and promoting positive relationships between youth, Optimists, and public safety professionals. Volunteers help with planning, nominations, and recognition events.
Chair: Beth Abruzzino
Scholarship Contests
Programs that empower youth through writing and public speaking while awarding scholarships. Members can help with promotion, judging, event coordination, and student recognition.
Chair: Amy Ard and Pam Wilfong
Bicycle Rodeo
A youth safety and wellness program teaching bike safety skills and helmet use as part of the Sumter Evening Optimist Clubs Cycles for Christmas Program. Volunteer roles include setup, instruction assistance, safety checks, and cheering on participants.
Chair: Heather Bradford
Battle Buddies
A children’s obstacle course event promoting physical fitness within the Sumter ESTEAM Festival. Members help with course setup, safety monitoring, and cheering on participants.
Chair: Mike Sherbert
4th Friday
A community engagement project supporting downtown events and outreach efforts. The club sells popcorn and cotton candy and provides free children's books and games. Members assist with setup, visibility, promotions, and representing the Optimist mission to the public.
Chair: Dona Stucker
Coming Up Next
Join us for a club meeting or one of our events!
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.