varsity news

Durham Lords Media Release
December 7, 2009

Optimist 2010 Inductions - Scholarship Awards Highlight Optimist Future as Club Rebounds

Courtesy of Jim Shaw – Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc.

Back-to-back success, a double dip windfall or just simply a great evening - no matter how many flourishing adjectives you employ to describe the Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc. banquet held at Johnny's Original Eatery last night wouldn't be enough.

The reborn Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc. almost folded this spring suffering from the lack of funds after losing their 28 year old main fundraiser weekly Bingo's. Today they seemed to have turned the bank balance corner rebounding turning a potential  failure  into a success turnaround success story.

Bingo's at the Whitby Hideaway Hall was closed on January 31st, 2009 after nearly 30 successful years. The local economy was hit by hard times of plant closures massive lay-off the Optimist future looked bleak at best.

The club took a chance to rebound, taking a massive chance by purchasing a 2009 General Motors Pontiac vibe to raffle containing $1,500.00 of donated groceries, “We dug our heels in” said Stephen Hambley the 2010 incoming president. The public's acceptance has been outright amazing purchasing tickets to win the top prize. With three weeks remaining before "D" (Draw) day set for Dec. 20th, the club can see a clear path back to respectability.

Sales began on Victoria holiday weekend with only $2.86 in our bank account. Now the club has secured a monthly bingo at the Red Barn in July, a reduction of 40 bingo per year and with return of the weekly Euchre parties covering winter/spring the club has regained some solid footing.

Profits from ticket sales goes directly back into the community in form of Food Hampers/Toys to community families as chosen and selected by the Salvation Army. This marks the 26th consecutive year the Optimist has operated this important community event. With food banks being hit by 18% increase the Optimist Families will received 14 days of food comprised of produce products, staple foods and meats including a festive turkey. Each family member under the age of 14 will receive three new toys each. The estimated retail cost for this event is projected at $40,000.00.

With solid financial footing now back in place, Hambley plans to rebuild the membership which had slipped two only seven members. Last night two new members where inducted - Sybil Dewhurst a long time Optimist movement in the Caribbean has become the president elect and Marjorie Ogden with booking keeping experience has taken over as treasurer.  

With 33 potential members in attendance the Optimist club of Oshawa celebrated their 9th annual Durham College Athletic Scholarship bursaries. Varsity athletes are selected by a special committee set up by athletic director Ken Babcock. The scholarships are presented in memory of two deceased members Thomas A. Scero and Sydney H. Breland. This year’s winners included Courtney Small (Varsity Basketball) and Jordan Sutherland (Varsity Soccer).

Both players had their parents and other family members in attendance. Each student will receive $500.00 for the year. Varsity head soccer coach Stan Bombino received a special award from the Optimist for his involvement in youth soccer in Durham Region.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca