The Clarkston Area Optimist Club hosted its 17th Annual Fund-raiser, ‘A Night on the Town,? on March 19.
The event was held at the elegant Liberty Grille and Golf Club in Clarkston. The guest list was impressive, and everyone came together to support the good causes the Optimist Club promotes.
‘Basically, all the funds will go towards different causes,? said Mike Page, Optimist Club President. ‘We are always helping the community any way possible, so the money will be spread out as needed.?
The Optimist Club is always generating support with different fund-raisers and events. The next venture involves the Clarkston area students.
‘There are some big changes with the new school buildings,? said Page. ‘We will be doing something for the kids involved in the new 6/7 and 8/9 buildings on the first day of school.?
The goal for the evening was obvious: helping each other and the community while enjoying the company of good friends, grand auction items and delectable food.
‘I just joined the Optimist Club in January,? said Jim Reed. ‘I am very excited about the night.?
Not only were Optimist members excited about the evening, but non-members even came out to show their support.
‘I always look forward to this because this is one of the nicest events in the community,? said Tom Lowrie, Lowrie’s Landscape. ‘I am an Optimist, but I am not a member. I have always donated my trucks and trailers to help out the members and the community.?
The layout was divine allowing guests to easily stoll the auction items in there elegant gowns and black suits ? the only thing missing was a red carpet.
‘I am looking forward to everyone having a lot of fun,? said Past President Ahdi Dasuqi. ‘Also raising a lot of money to help the kids.?
Auction items were donated from people within the community and included: deluxe spa package, gift certificates, goodie baskets, private tennis lessons, music lessons, one-year golf membership, one-week at Cozumel Reef Club Resort and much more.
Guests seemed thrilled about the auction items, and when the austion began, everyone was set to negotiate with paddle in hand.
‘They have all these nice items,? said past president Sheila Ritter. ‘I really like seeing all of the people come out and support the kids.?
‘Tonight’s event is for Clarkston,? said Governor Elect Don Brose. ‘We have the adults helping the kids and the kids helping the kids, it’s great.?
Program sponsors include: Judge Kelley Kostin, Lil? Peoples Place, John Karam Photography, Leslie Knitter, Ingenuity Group LLC, Colleen P. Cavanaugh, Ty Cook, Ahdi Dasuqi, All About Driving, Clarkston State Banks Ben Kramer and Jill Popour,David Knitter, Philip O. Dutton, D. Scott VanderVeen, Kenneth Thomas, Stanley Garwood, Kathleen Garwood, Dave Smith, David W. Regiani, Sue Kingsepp, Joseph Barger Sr., Carl Matisse, James Evans and John Merz.
The support is appreciated and the events will continue to benefit the area.
‘It’s unbelievable that people support the community the way they do,? said Page. ‘This is just outstanding.?
‘Helping? was the theme of the evening.
Everyone was there for the same reason ? to promote the Optimist concept of ‘Bringing out the best in kids.?