Past Projects
Brighton Optimist Club
Past Projects
Some of the past groups and projects we have supported include:
Howell HS 'We The People'
Constitutional Debate Team, Halloween Party at the Brighton Fire Station, Adopt-A-Family, The Connection Youth Center in Howell, Junior
Achievement, Brighton High's Senior All Night Party, Brighton High
School Honors Banquet, Brighton High School Band Boosters, Brighton High
School JV Pom Squad, D.A.R.E., Brownies Troop 543 Sponsor, Cub Scout
Troop 385 Sponsor, Livingston County Jumping' Allstars - Jump rope team,
Kid's Wings Medical Air Transport, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Gleaners Food Bank,
SELCRA-Meijer Skate Park, Maxey Boy's Training School Revival &
Christmas Party, Close Up Government High School Program, Bouncing Bulldogs
jump rope team, ARC of Livingston, LACASA. American Cancer Society's
Relay for Life, Empty Bowls project at Pinckney HS, Pinckney HS
S.A.D.D., Brighton High School Forensics Team, Brighton HS Robotics
Team.
Major Projects
Skateboard Park - Now the Meijer Recreation Center, under direction of the South East Livingston Community Recreation Authority (SELCRA). The club worked for three years with active fundraising to support this project. In the mean time the Brighton Optimists built the PortaBOSS, a temporary facility that was placed in Brighton High's parking lot for two summers, and we continue to support programs at the park.
'It's A
Keeper' - To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the
Brighton Optimist Club's 'Free Fishing Derby For Kids', the club commissioned
local artist Michael Glenn Monroe to create a sculpture suitable for donation to the
City of Brighton. Concepts were reviewed by the Club and the
City of Brighton, and on June 11, 2011 the sculpture
was unveiled. It sits next to the Imagination Station Children's
Park next to the Millpond.
Imagination
Station - Two members of
the club had the idea to organize
the effort to build a landmark at the
Brighton Mill Pond. They formed a large committee, gathered community support, and proceeded
to build what is now know as Imagination Station. Over a 5 day period,
with help of 1500 volunteers, including 25 Optimist members, some
in leadership roles, the project was completed. Now, in 2012, a number of club members
are volunteering with other community members to clean, repair and
maintain the playground.
Back Door Drop-In Center - One of the club's first initiatives over 25 years ago, was to provide a safe haven for kids having trouble in school and with life. It laid the foundation for Phoenix HS, later known as Renaissance Alternative High School. On our 25th anniversary in September 2003, the Brighton Optimist Club pledged an additional $10,000 in scholarship money for graduating students.
Childhood
Cancer - As part of
Optimist International's Childhood Cancer Campa
ign (CCC), the Brighton Optimist Club raised and
donated $2,500 to the School Re-Entry
Program, part of University of Michigan Hospitals' Comprehensive
Cancer Program. The money assists children with academic concerns
and helps smooth their return to school after diagnosis and treatment.
This program relies entirely on donations and has no
institutional funding. Our CCC efforts have also benefited the Optimist International
CCC program and the Michigan District Optimist Childhood Cancer Campaign, as
well as other local pediatric cancer efforts and charities. The
Brighton Optimists continue to donate to the Michigan District Optimist CCC
fund, too.
P.O. Box 524, Brighton MI 48116