ABOUT US

Established in December, 1959, the Optimist Club of Littleton (formerly called Breakfast Optimist Club of Littleton) has a rich history of service to the Littleton community. With a primary focus on serving the youth, the club exemplifies the motto of Optimist International, “Friend of Youth”, and provides volunteers and financial assistance for service projects that directly aid kids in pursuing their full potential.

Through numerous service projects, the club recognizes expertise in academics including writing, speaking, good citizenship and athletics. Support is given to youth in the form of awards, participation scholarships and general recognition for their accomplishments and good deeds. Numerous club members also serve as mentors and tutors for students in Littleton Public Schools.
The membership of the Optimist Club of Littleton is made up of local business professionals, educators and community minded individuals who are committed to making our community vibrant and strong and ensuring that our youth have the support needed to succeed in the world today and in the future.

Club members gather weekly in support of the club’s mission, as well as provide fellowship and networking. Three weeks out of the month, the club hosts guest speakers who present a wide variety of timely, interesting, and pertinent information and topics. One meeting per month is directed more specifically to the business of the club as well as emphasizing the social aspects of our group.

History and Highlights of Optimist Club of Littleton:

• Original members represented the banking, insurance, utility and real estate industries
• Early service projects consisted of the Little Britches Rodeo and Western Welcome Week. Building a float for the parade has been a long-standing tradition
• Other service projects were added over the years to include:
• Oratorical Contest
• Essay Contest
• Tri-Star Basketball 
• Shilo House Support Activities
• Elementary school’s Tutoring 
• The Southglenn Optimist Club was sponsored by Optimist Club of Littleton and both clubs deeply supported Junior Achievement for several years
• Hard times fell on service clubs in the mid-70’s as corporations provided less and less support. Being optimists, however, the members found creative ways to raise funds for youth projects and continue their service in the community. 
• Between 1979 – 1983, club members worked diligently to build the club back up to a vibrant service club and were awarded “Honor Club” from Optimist International. Membership soared to more than 60 members.
• The “Pride in America” flag program was established where flags are placed on Main Street in Littleton on every National Holiday. The program is still going strong today and celebrated by the community.
• As more diverse backgroounded members joined the club more projects were undertaken to help support the Littleton Public Schools with hands-on participation in school activities.
• The Club established a special connection with Littleton Police and the Arapahoe Sheriff’s office to recognize law enforcement’s contribution to the community
• Three members of our club have served as the Optimist Governor overseeing all clubs within the Colorado/Wyoming District:
• Gary Cooper
• Hank Wyeno
• Les Sitter
• Many members have served as Lieutenant Governors and committee chairpersons helping to promote Optimism across the two state district
• Since our inception, the Optimist Club of Littleton has helped to build nearly a dozen new Optimist Clubs
• As new members join our efforts, new service projects are initiated furthering our mission to “Bring out the Best in Kids”

We are grateful for the following companies who support our endeavors