About Us ~ Twin City Area Optimist Club

 It was early in 1988 when three Optimist members from the Cape Girardeau, Missouri club came to the Festus/Crystal City area to "build" a new Optimist Club.  Finding little interest and even being told by one community leader, "We don't need any more service clubs," they, being optimists, did not give up.  Remembering that only recently Optimist International had begun admitting females as members, they forged ahead and began recruiting women.  Very soon 63 women had expressed interest and, on May 10, 1988, the Charter Presentation Banquet was held.  The club was off and running and, all these years later, continues the race with multitudes of youth service projects to benefit children and exemplify Optimist International mottos - "Friend of Youth" and "Bringing Out the Best in Kids". 

The Foundation of the Twin City Optimist Club was established in 2024, in the State of Missouri and received IRS tax Exempt status 501(c)(3) as a public charity. The Foundation’s mission is to increase the resources, to raise funds and to improve the lives of the youth of the community in support of the Twin City Optimist Club. 

All donations to the Foundation including the Sponsorship Program for area businesses and individuals, are tax deductible and each donor receives a tax documentation letter. Donations may be designated "restricted" to benefit a specific program or scholarship, or designated "unrestricted" to support all programs. Donations can also be accepted in memorial and family will be notified. 

Other donation opportunities may be available.  Please make donation checks to: The Foundation of the Twin City Optimist Club, and mail to:  P.O. Box 13, Festus, MO 63028. 

For more information, please use the contact us form and we will get back with you.

We appreciate all the support from members, individuals and businesses.