The Clarkston Area Optimist Club awarded $50,000 in grants to local community groups, May 25.
“We looked at the needs and what we could fund and leave as a legacy – that was important to us,” said Optimist Jim Evans.
The club’s grant committee met starting in January to receive and review applications for the funds, which are provided annually by a private citizen as a gift to the community, Evans said.
This year’s grant awardees include Blessings in a Backpack; City of the Village of Clarkston for special-needs-accessible playground equipment in Depot Park; Cultural Arts Council for Easels in the Park; Clarkston Family Farm for a hoop house; Clarkston High School senior graduation party; Clarkston Community Schools Leader in Me; Clarkston Village Players Youth Theater; Clarkston Area Youth Assistance; Everest Academy for a leveled reader book program; Independence Television for a 48-hour film competition; Kids Standard magazine; North Sashabaw Elementary homework club; O.A.T.S. for Oscar the draft horse; Pine Knob Elementary Makerspace program; Play All Basketball.net; and Renaissance High School for the Seven Habits program.
– Phil Custodio