First Quarter 2019-2020
The first three months have been remarkable! I have learned so much about how our Club operates, but more importantly about you, our members.
There were good times and sad times and no matter the time we were there for each other – showing me that our Club is more than just a club but is a family
Your generosity and outreach to the community has been outstanding! Everything from assisting with Meal Ministry, Trunk or Treat, Adopt-a-Road, Christmas Family, and supporting fellow charities like the Fairfield Optimist Club with their Monte Carlo (which is an extremely fun fundraiser) and the DD Breakfast with Santa, and the NAMI Walk.
The Paragon Optimist Club would be nothing if it weren’t for our gracious members and their commitment to the community. I thank each and every one of you for your continued support.
From my heart to yours,
Sharon B, President
Ladies, You're Invited!
Come help the Paragon Optimist Club with a service project. On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, we are making sleeping mats out of plastic bags, and donating them to the Military Veterans Resource Center in Hamilton.
A Card Can Do So Much!
Boxes and boxes of cards surrounded by stickers, stamps and pens…holiday music is playing and all I need now is my friends, Paragon members, to arrive!
“They’re singing “Deck The Halls”
But it’s not like Christmas at all
’Cause I remember when you were here
And all the fun we had last year”
I remember watching a holiday movie where a soldier, who had no family, was given a Christmas card. The card sender wrote a letter inside the card so touching the soldier decided he wanted to meet this person. The movie goes on with various middle content that makes your heart sink once the soldier and card writer fall in love. By no means am I looking for another love but I do want to pass on holiday cheer and compassion, which is why when my son, Mark’s schoolmate started organizing people to sign cards for soldiers and veterans I jumped right in to assist. During the events there’s holiday music playing, lots of food, good moods, and new people to meet, which all creates wonder memories.
“Pretty lights on the tree
I’m watching them shine
You should be here with me
Baby please come home”
With all the merriment and cheer I experienced at those events I decided to involve the Paragon Optimist Club. After our meeting a few weeks ago we set to work writing notes, signing, and decorating cards. It was interesting to watch the dynamics of those involve. Everyone picked a job and one member found funny Christmas jokes to share. There was so much laughter that you could not hear the Christmas music in the background!
“If there was a way
I’d hold back this tear
….”
In total there were 261 cards signed!
These cards will be given to soldiers on active duty, and Veteran hospitals. Hopefully this will bring a moment of cheer that lets them know we are thinking of them. It was easy to provide care packages when we saw picture of fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places. We need to keep up the support all the time.
Pat B
Sock Hop Raises Awareness
American Bandstand…………or was it A Paragon Bandstand???
The iconic show American Bandstand was an original powerhouse combining television, rock & roll and teenagers. The other night our club channeled American Bandstand by combing our spirit of giving, fun and hard work. Paragon Optimist Club is a non-profit organization that is also a powerhouse with members who love finding any opportunity to give back. Case and point, they heard sock hop and it immediately led to collecting socks for the homeless while we danced the night away!
American Bandstand was an American music performance and dance television program that aired in various versions from 1952-1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark.
The original release date was October 7, 1952. The show aired from 3:30 - 4:30 delivering 3,000 episodes. The first song was “Whole Lotta Shaking Goin’ On” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
Thank you, Dick Clark, for the memories.
A Paragon Bandstand was too hosted by none other than Dick Clark. Members spent the evening dancing to tunes like Baby Love by the Supremes, Don’t be Cruel by Elvis Presley, Locomotionby Little Eva, YMCA, The Twist,and many more. Members came prepared in 50’s attire and held a dance competition complete with judges.
A fun, fun evening was had by all. We danced, and danced …...
A Paragon Bandstand took it to the next level when members not only showed up in their socks, but also brought a pair (or two) to donate. Over 40 pairs of socks were collected!
"For now, Dick Clark ... so long."
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW? (by the Shirelles) was the only question asked as members left the clubhouse.
Thank you all for a fun time ladies. I am blessed to be surrounded by a group of women who want to have fun while we work to better to the world.
Janet L
Kids should get candy
At Halloween who doesn’t get candy? Since I was a little girl, I can remember Halloween and it meant candy. After hours of going door to door yelling ‘Trick or Treat’ at the top of my lungs I would end the night with a large bag of candy. Looking back, I also remember smiling adults who filled my bag and filled my heart with childhood joy. The joy of Halloween candy can be similar to the joy of Christmas gifts. With that in mind, at Christmas many children qualify through a school or church support program, but what happens during the holidays like Halloween?
While assisting at Lutheran Trinity Church’s ‘Feed your Neighbor’ program I unfortunately have seen children not getting to be children. Isn’t is bad enough that these kids have no idea where their next meal will be coming from, but many times they are also coming alone because their parents work 2 jobs to make ends meet.
Many of our club members had heard about schools and churches hosting Trunk or Treats, but it wasn’t until we worked with these children first hand that we realized the huge need for such a simple event. The kids get to dress up or face paint or wear their clothes in some silly way pretending that it is a costume. Then they go to the church and one by one travel from trunk to truck, not even knowing what to say or do. But after hours of going from trunk to trunk they end the night with candy and snacks and smiles and loving support from the community.
I am proud to say that this is the second year that the Paragon Optimist Club attended and hosted a trunk for the kids. It has been fun to dig out old costumes, so I too can dress up like the kids, and so they also see that it is OK to be silly and smile.
Andrea R
As a Paragon Optimist
WOW, what a second year I have had as a Paragon Optimist! From finding great new friends, who feel more like family, to realizing as a group we can make a difference.
Hello, I’m Sharon and this is the first blog I’ve ever written. I was inspired by our other members, who have written one, and I have since learned writing a blog is extremely hard and stressful… Despite that I powered through because sharing my thoughts and experiences with others can lead to positive outcomes.
When I first because a member I suffered through a botched shoulder surgery. This limited my physical abilities and caused me to feel I couldn’t help. Luckily, I eventually found a surgeon who changed my life, and I was finally able to become the productive member I knew I could be.
Volunteering has been very therapeutic and fulfilling.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been inspired by a story describing the feeling of satisfaction gained when someone has done something good for the community. For me it’s no longer a story but my reality. I didn’t realize how helping with street cleaning or meal ministry would make me feel so satisfied. I certainly had no clue that reading the fourth grade essays, “Is it ever OK to tell a lie,” would make me thankful that I am no longer in school!
I am very proud to be a member and am looking forward to many more years of helping my fellow Optimists strive to provide hope and a positive vision for the youth. While at the same time enjoying the camaraderie I feel whenever we are all together.
Can’t wait to see what the upcoming year will bring!
Sharon B
Another Use for Plastic Bags – Comfier Sleep for Veterans
No matter how environmentally conscience I try to be I still end up with plastic bags. I hate the thought of putting them in the garbage, which is why I was so excited that my optimist club decided to make sleeping mats out of them. In the past year, the Paragon Optimist Club has made and donated about 25 mats!
The mats are comfortable and create a barrier between the ground and the body, which helps retain body heat while sleeping. These mats are also really low maintenance. If they get wet, they can easily be dried. If they get dirty, they can be hosed off or shaken out. They are also light weight and portable.
This all stared when my friend mentioned to me that she’s making mats for the homeless. She saw a post on Facebook and thought, well I can do that, so she reached out and learned what was all involved. The supply list isn’t complicated: plastic bags, scissor and a crochet hook, however, to make one mat you’ll need 500-700 bags…
During one of our meetings I stated what my friend was doing and asked if everyone would save plastic bags. Not only did folks say they’d save bags, but they loved the idea and wanted to help make mats too! In July 2018 my friend came to a meeting and taught us how to cut the bag into strips, loop the strips together to make plarn (plastic-yarn). From there she showed us how to take the plarn and crochet it into a sleeping mat. This is all very simple, but can be a long process, which is why many do this at home while watching tv.
After a little while we created a few mats and were ready to donate them, and that is when I discovered the Military Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) – Hamilton Resource Center. MVRC recognizes that the transition from military service to civilian life often is difficult. Their goal is to help veterans identify and overcome the barriers that are holding them back from the life they want. Our mats are given to homeless Vets who now have a home so that the Vets have a little cushion under their sleeping bags.
Dan Dunaway, Veterans Services Specialistat the Hamilton Resource Center, shared two occasions where our mats came in handy. The first was a gentleman who had been discharged after serving eight years in the military. After a year, the Vet was homeless and jobless, and thankfully reached out for assistance. From that point, Dan was able to find the Vet a job and an apartment. Since the Vet was homeless, he didn’t have a bed, and Dan was able to provide a mat as part of his bedding. I’d like to think that our mat helps the Vet get a goodnight’s sleep so when he wakes up he’s ready to take on the world.
Dan’s latest incident affected a veteran and his whole family when their home caught on fire. This family lost a lot and they currently are living in a one-bedroom apartment. Dan was able to provide this family of 5 with 5 mats for them to use for bedding. I’m sure sleeping isn’t easy for this family, but I hope our mats gives them some support.
The Paragon Optimist Club continues to make mats. It makes me smile that plastic bags are now being used for a good cause and are not being put in the landfill. Every mat may look different, but they all show that we care. It is an amazing opportunity to provide someone in need something homemade and useful.
Pat B
I have SECRET to Share!
It all began last fall.
Through a random drawing, a Secret Pal was secretly introduced to Paragon members. Members gave gifts & blessings throughout the year. Some were BIG surprises and some were very small. Gifts include games & puzzles, candy & crafts, jewelry & gems, wines & winnings, plants & parrots(?).
Oh my goodness every week SOME BODY was getting SOMETHING! And, of course, very secretly!!
In August the Secret Pal was revealed. Many were surprised—many, many thanks were extended. It was GREAT fun!
We plan to bring another Secret Pal drawing alive in October. Oh what will next year bring? Hang around & find out. It is a SECRET you know!!
Sh-h-h-h.
Janet L
Amazed by Fourth Graders
I am struck by the students essays we read aloud as part of the Paragon Optimists Club’s essay contest the other night at our meetings. Many of the children wrote on the prompt: “Don’t Judge Me Because…” These young people are so affected by feeling judged. So many wrote that they felt judged for liking “boy things” or “girl things”. They felt judged for their clothes and shoes and whether or not they have a dad. It was heartbreaking to hear kids felts this way. At the same time, to be so young and yet so in tuned to others’ feelings is amazing to me.
I tried to remember myself as a 4th grader, and I don’t think I was so in tuned with others’ opinion of me. My heart goes out to these girls and boys. I want them to know they aren’t being judged by me and so many others and that they are special and loved.
It was incredibly interesting to hear about machine inventions from other classrooms. There were machines that made a disabled person’s day better and easier, to a machine that reads minds, the ideas were quite varied. So many students thought of machines to help people. This is so far beyond their 10 short years.
The last prompt that struck me was about the child’s hero. A young child thought their mom was a hero for adopting and taking caring of them. These essays revealed how adult issues are so apparent to children. Another child wrote about their grandfather who fought in a war for their family. To hear these children and their very mature statements is overwhelming. It makes me wonder what we could do for them; how can we spread these positive messages?
I’d like to let them to know, we won’t judge you but are here to support you. We love your imaginations and we know you will make the world a better place. We are proud of your heroes, who are true examples of how we should strive to live. In the words of one of our essay winner’s we want to “be the reason someone smiles today!”
Erika W
I'm a Paragon!
My mom has been big into the Paragon Optimist Club, and this past September (2018) she invited me to attend their installation dinner. She was being installed as a board member, and I thought it would be fun to see my mom installed in something she seems to be passionate about.
I attended a meeting or two prior to the installation, but I really didn’t know what to expect. After attending what I can say – the food was wonderful, door prizes were the flower centerpieces (side note: I won a centerpiece, and a 50/50 raffle!), but the best part for me really was the great group of women, who made me feel right at home.
In March, of this year (2019) she invited me to their Zone Meeting, which also includes a quarter auction to raise money for a local charity. Again, I really had no idea what this was all about, but I said sure. It was another super night! I was filled with food, raffle baskets (sad side note: I didn’t win this time), and great women who once again made me feel welcome. All monies collected that night was donated to New Life Mission.
I was hooked!
The more mom talked about the club, the more interested I became. The awesome projects they work on for the community like Meal Ministry, Paragon Pals and numerous others had me wanting to be part of the action! So here I am ready to fill out my application to become a member.
Thanks mom for introducing me to the great charitable organization.
Angela G
Learning Through Fourth Grade Essays
The mission of the Paragon Optimist Club is to provide hope and a positive vision for the youth, and to improve our community as a whole. One way our Club accomplishes this is holding a fourth grade essay contest in local schools.
Essay writing is a core element that is developed during the fourth grade. Every school is given topics and a deadline. The students are educated by the teachers on how to construct a paragraph. The teachers also provide guidance on how to support a topic. After the deadline, all essays are judged, and two winning essays are selected from each school.
There were thirteen participating schools with 1,023 student essays submitted!
This year the students had the choice of “Don’t judge me, because…. ,” “I’d like to invent a machine that… ,” or “My hero is…”
While helping judge the essays it was very difficult to pick winners. The authors wrote from the heart. These authors, these kids wrote about the environment, special needs, other current topics, and some that I never thought a 9/10 year old would be concerned about. When the winning essays were read aloud at the club meeting, there were tears, laughter and empathy expressed. Below is a quick list of various subjects the students chose to write about:
Do not judge me, because…
I’m not a ‘girlie’ girl, but enjoy sports and/or being a tomboy
Because I work hard on schoolwork, or I’m a nerd, or I’m honest and persistent in solving issues
I sit alone so I don’t have to hear the unkind words spoken to me
My father left and we were homeless, but now things are better. We do not buy many new things because we’re saving money for grandfather’s surgery
My physical limitation, my autism, my english as a second language, or that I’m just different
Have any of you had the same experiences? Are these the issues that lead to school fights or shootings we’ve heard about?
I’d like to invent a machine that…
Would help other people
Would help the homeless
Helped people with Down Syndrome
Get the world with more air and renewable resources, a machine that helped trees grow would be invented
Would take me back in time to meet presidents, Martin Luther King Jr., and my great-grandparents
Allowed less items will go in the landfill by reusing/changing those items into water and food for Africa and other counties. The machine would be called the “reuseanator machine.”
Killed bugs, or reading minds, or shrinking people, or cancer cures, or creates friends and removes negativity from your DNA
These ideas were very creative. Their awareness of issues to improve this world is awesome. It is nice to hear about the good in our future leaders.
My hero is…
Jesus because no one believed Jesus except for the eleven disciples and had to fight for his life for a long time
The astronaut Sally Ride. She is an inspiration to little girls and women to follow their dreams
My father, he is a police officer and has saved a person. He spends time with helping with homework and lots more. He shows how to help and love other people
My foster mother who takes care of them and their other siblings. The birth mother was on drugs and died and dad is in jail. Because of the foster mom the family gets fed, helped with homework and various other things
In looking at these young authors, they notice what is going on around them. They see the good role models they have. They have good examples to guide them through life.
The students had a chance to practice what they were taught. They had lots of wonderful ideas. They should be very proud of what they achieved. The parents and teachers of all the students who enter should be proud as well. Good job everyone! The Paragon Optimist Club is happy and honored to enable these students to express their thoughts through our essay contest.
Pat B
Another Fun Night
Paragon Optimist Club puts together and delivers over 150 baskets for charities every year. This year the baskets were donated to:Family Promise (10), Haven House (20), Kate’s Cupboard (54), New Life Mission (30), Sojourner Recovery Center (29), Tikkun Farm (36).
Thoughts from members after assembling all those baskets:
PARAGON’S MIRACLE
M….. Many Workers
I……. Inspired by Kids
R….. Round & Round the Tables
A….. Act of Service
C….. Candy Galore
L….. Loads of Fun
E….. Easter Baskets
“Another fun night of community service and comradery!”
“Love it, lots of fun and I’ve missed it the last few years because of work but made it a priority this year!”
“Helping community and getting to know each other in a casual setting – making us stronger as a club.”
“Last night was amazing. Great food and camaraderie putting Easter baskets together. Fun night with a lot of laughter!”
A Non-Member’s Thoughts on Our Club
It has been my pleasure over the past several years to attend Paragon Optimist Club’s annual St. Patrick's Day themed dinner and charity event. Every year it has been an enjoyable experience. This year was no exception – they exceeded my expectation! The company attending as always was great. The food was so good I over ate. Topping all that off, the charitable cause again was the most important and it sure is a worthwhile charity.
This year they chose the New Life Mission in Hamilton, Ohio. New Life Mission provides hot meals to those most in need through their Community Cafe. They also provide a food pantry, acute addition assistance, eyeglass assistance, and worship services to the community.
I applaud the support of this team of ladies in the Club and every event they have taken part in. The work they do isn't always known, but it is impactful.
So, Ladies of Paragon Optimist thank you for all you do and a selfless event as always!
Cordially,
Robert L Taylor
Editor’s Note: With the help of the other Club in Zone 15 and guests attending, the Paragon Optimist Club was able to donate $1,080 to New Life Mission on April 23, 2019!
Something Small Can Change The World
The other night I got to participate in Paragon Pals after our Club’s meeting. Paragon Pals collects personal items, mostly for women, that we bag and then donate to various shelters, or those in need. I really feel this is a cool project our club does because it helps people in a different way outside of the normal food, money, educational and so on donations. Then it made me wonder why did I think ‘normal’ just then? And I realized that the kind of products we’ve put together tend can fall into ‘vanity.’ Vanity can be viewed as bad because it’s not needed to survive. It’s vane or superficial. However, vanity can also provide good. For example, I’m one of those women who colors their hair. Every time the hairdresser finishes, and I look in the mirror I feel like a million bucks. I feel like I can take on the world and achieve anything, and the only change was a ¼ of an inch of hair color… Do I need to color my hair to survive? No, but that little bit of vanity changed my outlook on the world and of myself.
As I was stuffing the bag for these women it got me to think about if that little change in hair color affects me emotionally the way it does, how would I be if I didn’t have the day-to-day personal care items that I take for granted. Sure, these women don’t need these items to survive, but if by getting them it allows them to change how they feel about themselves and that change helps them get out of a tricky situation I think vanity is good and can lead to positive changes in the world. I love when my hair is clean, and I feel good knowing that someone else can have clean hair because of me and the Paragon Pals! Clean hair can help when that person goes on a job interview as well. So maybe these items are necessary.
The bags we put together will be donated to Haven House Emergency Shelter in Hamilton, Ohio. Haven House provides temporary emergency shelter and food to single fathers with children, single mothers with children, married couples and families, entirely without government funding of any kind.An added bonus this year besides donating these bags to Haven House was that the donations members collected throughout the year had some excess of certain items, and we were able to donate those to female veterans!
Being part of an organization that helps others is a win-win situation for all! It makes you feel good to be part of something bigger than yourself, knowing that you helped someone, even if it was in a small way. It then helps those who receive the donation. Personal items may not seem like much, but to those who have none, it may mean the world.
Sally L & Jessica R
To Be A Better Person
A big year in the books for me was 2009. I got married to my best friend. Together we bought our first house and sold our condo. Little did I know, more was on the way. It was also the year I became a member of the Paragon Optimist Club.
Being a member of the Paragon Optimist Club has increased my desire to be a better person. During my membership ceremony I was told, “I will learn the Optimist Creed, a genuine challenge to all men and women to live by.” I still to this day try to live by this creed. “To think only of the best. To work only for the best. And to expect only the best.” So, when the opportunity presented itself for me to join the board of a new meal ministry at my church, Trinity Lutheran Church, I did not hesitate.
I happen to love to cook, but besides that I knew this meal ministry was going to serve a greater purpose. The goal was to create a safe place for all to gather. We wanted to create an environment of togetherness – the once a week family meal. We wanted to create a meal that surpassed the traditional soup kitchen by opening our doors to those who were hungry, tired, cold, hot, wet, lonely, afraid, and so on. Everyone who enters walks up and pour their own drinks. Sit anywhere in the room. Then they are served their meal just like being in a restaurant. Most weeks the meals are served on real plates, in real bowls and with real utensils rather than paper and plastic. Again, the focus was to create a place of belonging. “To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.”
At the very first, ‘Feed Your Neighbor’ meal ministry board meeting, one of the most important obligations was to get volunteers scheduled to donate meals. The Paragon Optimist Club was the first organization that popped into my head. A fair amount of our community arriving for the meals would be children. Participating would be another opportunity for the club to reach out and be, “Friends of Youth.” Friends of Youth, is an Optimist slogan I too learned at my membership ceremony. As anticipated the club members eagerly accepted to be volunteers. For the last nine years the Paragon Optimist Club has cooked, plated, served, and occasionally provided special treats not just once a year, but 4 times a year! If you’re a person who’s into numbers, the Club has prepared and donating food for 100+ guests each time. Of course, meal ministry has repeat visitors, but the Paragon Optimist Club has provided 100+ smiles 4 times a year for the past 9 years…. which adds up to at least 3,600 smiles and a chance to enjoy a family meal!
I sometimes wonder if my parents had not been Optimists, if they had not raised me to be an Optimist, would this amazing experience have happened in my life? I realize that for me, only God knows the answer to that. Regardless, I am blessed to have two life changing groups in my life that have pushed me to be a better person. I am now presented with the task of passing these same ideals on to my children so that they may too strive to be an OPTIMIST!
Nicki U
Paragon Christmas Fun
Red. Green. Blue. Animals. Santa Claus. Snowmen. Scissors snip. Snip. Christmas music. Laughing. Teasing. Were some of the sights and sounds from our meeting tonight. As I reflect on this wonderful evening, I’m reminded of everything that led us here. Our club has been so busy the last month in a half or so. The kind of busy that is fun and heartwarming.
Early in November we signed up to buy items from the adopt-a-family’s wish lists that the local school provided to us. The items were brought in so they could be checked off the master list. This is to make sure no items were missed. Making me think of how Santa Claus checks his list twice J! There were pants, shoes, socks, games, crafts, magnetic darts and so much more.
In mid-November we signed Christmas cards. These were to go out to our fellow Optimist club officials, local city government offices and many others we have been involved with over the years. I myself was going to do a separate Christmas activity where I help send cards to deployed and wounded soldiers. However, I had some health issues and I was not sure if I could sign the cards and bring it to my friend’s house. So, I came early and asked a few members to help me sign the seven boxes of cards. Everyone jumped in to help and all the cards were signed. When I took the cards to my friend’s house, we decorated them with stamps, tape and stickers. In total we did over four hundred cards!
And now it is December, and the night that made me reminisce where we wrapped the adopt-a-family presents. The evening was started off by eating tacos as a fellowship meal. Then we held our normal meeting. After that we went into the other room were all the gifts were laid out. Each child had their own table, with their items ready to be wrapped. Each table had a print out of labels with each child’s name. There was a large black bag labeled with each child’s name to hold all the presents. Once everyone was situated the wrapping began. Care was taken to use lots of different types of paper. Members pared off and helped each other. There was singing and laughing. When we were finished it was awesome to look at all the gifts that were on the tables. The gifts were placed in the large black bags. We had to get second bags because there was so many!
As we approach the new year, the thing that I think about from all this is the fun times I have had. This club does so much good for our community. These women do so much to help support their members. They are special and dear to my heart!
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Pat B.
PARAGON PALS
Paragon Pals is one of our Club's newest programs. The Club collects personal items, mostly for women, that we bag and then donate to various shelters, or those in need.
We collect shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Kleenex, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, combs, razors, and other miscellaneous items.
At one of the meetings before we divide up the items collected, the Club, under the expert guidance of our in-house seamstress Pat Boehm, bags are hand-made of assorted materials, and finished with a draw string. This way, when the necessities are gone, there is a bag for them to keep and use as they like.
The idea for Paragon Pals actually started when I was assisting Governor Cherie Gentry in Columbus. I had to come up with an idea to entertain those not attending the OI Ohio District training sessions. I decided on a project to help others. I sent a letter to all members of the Ohio District asking for the personal items and small purses or bags to be brought to the next quarter meeting. I was overwhelmed by the response! We made close to 300 bags that were donated to a local homeless shelter.
The program was so well received, I thought it would be great to continue it on a club level.
So far, we have donated to Hope Gospel Mission, New Life Mission, and Haven House.
We continue collecting all year long, and fill bags twice a year. We also include a card in each bag with a little message for the donee. I hope we continue this for many years, as there is always someone who needs a little help now and then.
With gratitude,
Sally Schmidt, Paragon Pals Committee Chair
Facing My Fears Leads to My Favorite Night
Tonight, is one of my favorite nights as a Paragon Optimist member.
Why you ask?
Because tonight all of our hard-work to raise money pays off, and we get to donate a check to a worthy charity! We are donating $781.80 to help those who truly need it, New Life Mission!
New Life Mission, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit inner-city ministry is located in Hamilton, Ohio since 1969. They have devoted their energy to passionately advocating for the hungry, needy and under-represented members of our local community. New Life Mission’s Community Cafe serves hot meals Monday thru Thursday 12:00-1:30 and bag lunches Saturdays 12:00-1:30.
Let me tell you a little about how we raised this money. Every year around St. Patrick’s Day we host a quarter auction during our zone meeting. At the quarter auction I play auctioneer, and spend an hour or so cajoling quarters out of fellow Optimists to bid on the wonderful baskets our club put together.
I know this doesn’t sound too hard. However, since I’m an introvert by nature, I get stressed out the day before and I’m unable to sleep. So why do I do it??? Because I realize that this one sleepless night leads to the satisfaction of helping others, and unlike those who we are working to help I am spending it in my warm bed with a full belly. With that in my mind, I disregard my stress and push myself to get in-front of 40+ people so that I can help others!
"We can be part of breaking the cycle and not lose another generation to drugs or another generation to poverty."
– Pastor Felix, Director of NLM
I'd like to extend a huge thank you to Pastor Felix for everything he and his organization does for our community.
Want to help others?
Want to make friends and have fun?
Check out the Paragon Optimist Club and find your opportunity to do something for others!
Brenda T
In a faraway land…
In a faraway land named Paragon, two bunnies were hard at work prepping and preparing for a very special event. On this one special evening all of the Paragon generous, hardworking bunnies will arrive with noses wiggling and tails-waggling to make baskets.
Paws, paws, so many paws will fill eggs with jelly beans and gummy treats. Other paws will fill empty baskets with grasses, and then more paws gently placing a plush stuffed animal in each one.
After that the parade will begin like a well-choreographed ballet, the bunnies will assemble basket after basket. One by one, egg by egg, toy by toy, book by book, and bag by bag the baskets are magically filled and tagged for delivery. By the end of this special night 150 baskets will be lovingly made in less than an hour. The joyous vision of children smiling and laughing as they receive the fruit of the bunnies’ toils flicker in every bunnies’ eyes.
This land has existed for nine years, and every year the number of bunnies grow because every time a child is joyous a new bunny is born. Then there’s more paws to help bring joy to another child and another part our world!
Andrea R
Smiles
And it all ends with a smile.
But, it began with fifteen baskets filled with goodies at Paragon’s Zone 15 Meeting & Quarter Auction. Curious what makes a basket bring smile? Maybe a child’s Easter basket with a giant stuffed animal pig, an Easter selfies kit that's #unforgettable, Peeps, bubbles and assorted candy; or a Jewels & Drinks basket…a Sterling Silver 18” necklace, Godiva and Ghirardelli chocolates, and a bottle of wine would bring a smile to your face.
Every year we enjoy our Quarter Auction event where we throw our lucky charms into the Leprechaun’s hat. This year’s event will be Tuesday, March 13 @ 7:00pm at the Fairfield Optimist Clubhouse. The evening starts with a zone meeting, followed by an Irish dinner (Irish Stew and Shepherd Pie), and then the fun begins…the quarter auction! The money raised goes to a different local charity each year this year’s charity, New Life Mission in Hamilton, OH.
The parade of baskets begins, paddles are raised into the air, a lot of hopes for the luck of the Irish, and everyone can’t help but smile and laugh in enjoyment. Baskets all range from 1-8 quarters. With every smile our pot of gold grows and so does the contribution to our community! This gift just might put a smile on their face, and when they smile, we smile.
And there it is, a basket can help a child or family in need…..which brings a smile :)
Images from last year's Paragon Optimist hosted Zone 15 meeting & quarter auction
Janet L