Optimist Club of Smyrna GA
Post Office Box 855 Smyrna, GA 30081
Youth Oratorical Contest
As Optimist International's oldest program, this contest allows young adults from 10 - 16 gain experience in public speaking on a pre-assigned topic. Scholarships are awarded annually.
Date: coming again February 2025
Contact: Latonia Hines
The Optimist Club sponsors many programs for youth in the community. Following are descriptions of some of them:
Read by Grade Three
Optimist Club members spend time in the local elementary schools through the school year reading to kids.
Date: During the school year
Contact: Dan Scoggins
Calvary Children's Home
Date: December 2024
Contact: Ann Harris
Projects for Smyrna Optimist Club
How are Projects Funded?
The Smyrna Optimist Club raises funds through various activities, including:
- Santa House: The Santa House is located in the Tayler-Brawner House in late November through Christmas. There is nothing more magical for children than to come and see Santa on an evening when the Smyrna downtown Christmas decorations are lit and Santa is in his quaint house. Parents can have the Optimist Club take the children's picture or they can bring a camera and take all the pictures they want while the kids give Santa their wish list. Donations are welcome! Proceeds go to Smyrna Safety Foundation "Shop with a Hero" program.
- Pancake Breakfast... better known as "Flippin' for Kids." This event takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. For $7.00 you can have all the pancakes and sausage you can eat. The most frequent comment of customers exiting the breakfast is "Those were the best pancakes I've ever eaten!"
Respect for Law/Respect for Firefighters
During the first full week in May, we inspire respect for law among the youth in the community by honoring our local law enforcement officers at a Friday breakfast.
Tri-Star Sports
These contests in basketball and baseball are the perfect opportunity for children to have fun while building self confidence and physical fitness.
Contact: Bruce Hollmuller bruceh0918@att.net
Baseball:
Date: coming again Spring 2025
Basketball:
Date: Fall 2024
Junior Golf
One of the largest events for Junior golfers. Each year young people from the United States and Canada compete. Past Optimist junior golf participants include: Tiger Woods, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Justin Leonard.
Date: June TBD
Contact: Ron Huck email huck.ron@gmail.com for more info and application form. To be held at Dogwood Golf Course
Smyrna Optimist Baseball
The Smyrna Optimist Club has sponsored a Little League team for over 30 years. The Smyrna Little League is open to ages 5-18. Date: Summer
Contact: Bruce Hollmuller
Adopt-a-Mile
Helping the community roads stay beautiful, the Smyrna Optimist Club maintains a stretch of road on South Cobb Drive.
Date: Quarterly
Contact: Steve Wilson
Pancake Breakfast
One of the largest fund raising events that brings the community together to renew old relationships, family gatherings and meet residents of the community you may never have met before. All you can eat!
Date Saturday after Thanksgiving
Contact: Tara Carr
Santa House
Bring your family and friends and have your picture with Santa. Take your own pictures as well. Donations Go to the Smyrna Safety foundation and Shop with a Hero program.
Date: Coming again December 2025
Contact: Libby Tyre
H.A.V.E.N. Academy
provides comprehensive special education services and therapeutic support for students with Severe Emotional Behavior Disorders and Autism. The program serves students from Cobb County, Douglas County and the city of Marietta.
