Essay Contest
Optimist International sponsors an essay contest starting in October. Essays are written on specific topics that can be found at Optimist International . The top three local winners are eligible for $75, $100, and $125 dollar prizes along with a certificate and medallion. The first place winner competes for a $2500 scholarship at the district level. Entrants must be under 19 and essays are due to the club in January.
Earning Money
We wouldn't work this hard if they paid us! Volunteering is fun! Some other ways we raise money so we can give it away: staffing the admissions gate at Festival In the Pines every August, working the Chippewa Falls Optimist Cheese Curd stand and the beer tent during the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and Oktoberfest and selling NFL Sweepstakes tickets. Our Golf Scramble and Golf Ball Drop will be held again in June 2019, at the Lake Hallie Golf Club.
Halloween Party
Little ghosts and goblins need a safe place to enjoy the fun, costumes and games of Halloween. This free event features a costume contest, dancing, pinata, games, face painting, karaoke, candy, food, and much more! Sometimes the great pumpkin even visits! Held from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm the Saturday prior to Halloween at the Hallie Town Hall.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
These events are fun for families and help us raise funds for scholarships. Breakfast with Santa is on Saturday, December 15, 2018. The Easter Bunny isn't around long so that is the day before Easter Sunday! Bring your camera's for selfies with Santa or the Easter Bunny, a hearty appetite for all you can eat pancakes, sausage, applesauce, and beverages. Cost is $6 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Every child goes away with a balloon and memories of a personal encounter with Santa or the Easter Bunny! Held from 8 am to 11 am at the Village of Lake Hallie Town Hall, 13033 30th Avenue, Chippewa Falls, WI. Our sponsors are Praxair, Kwik Trip, Mom's Kitchen, The Plus, and Thrivent Financial.
hallie optimist club:
Bringing out the best in kids
in the Chippewa Valley for over 30 years!
Labels for Education
Schools are always in need of more supplies. One way we can help is diligently collect labels that can be redeemed for school needs. So we collect Milk Moola, Campbells labels, Boxtops for Education, and more. These are turned in monthly to schools in Eau Claire and Altoona.
Scholarships
It is important to recognize students who work hard, get good grades, and are involved in the community. But sometimes students have problems that are beyond their control and they don't make that 4.0. We recognize the achievements of individuals who work hard, have some hardship that prevents them from achieving that 4.0, and still give their time to make the community a better place. Since 2000 Hallie Optimist awarded 147 scholarships totaling $74.000
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Sometimes you just have to dig in and help. Every year our members spend a Saturday raising funds for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell, smiling and saying Merry Christmas. We are pretty good at that smiling thing!
Respect for Law
We appreciate our law enforcement personnel who risk their lives so we are safe. We recognize someone who has made a difference in our community through their work in law enforcement. In the past we have recognized individuals who embody the spirit of community involvement and respect for law.
Take a Kid Fishing
Everyone enjoys fishing! We want to make sure kids know how much fun it can be to take a worm for a swim and maybe catch a fish. Besides the fun of being outside, practicing casting, local businesses donate lots of prizes so no child goes away empty handed! A hot dog, fruit and cookie lunch is also provided. The event is held on Wisconsin Free Fishing Day at the Hallie Sportsman's Club from 9 to noon.
Youth Appreciation
We recognize a lot of people, but sometimes it is important to recognize the people we care about the most....young people! Teachers nominate youth in fifth grade who do special things. It might be standing up to a bully, helping the cafeteria workers clean up after lunch, or being friends with the unpopular kid. They do something that makes their classroom better. These children are treated to a movie at the Micon Theater, pizza lunch, and receive a certificate of recognition.
Aluminum Can Recycling
In partnership with local businesses, we collect and recycle aluminum. All funds raised support cancer research, provide gas cards to families of children with cancer, and fund programs for children with cancer. Recent recipients include Joshua's Camp, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and local children with cancer. Spickler Recycling supports our recycling efforts!
Safety on Wheels
Kid's love bicycling, rollerblading, and skateboarding. We want to make sure they are safe when using wheeled transportation. In partnership with Sam Davey and Locust Lane Elementary Schools, Eau Claire Police Department, and Scheels, an annual safety day is held at one of the schools the in May from 3 to 5 pm. Bikes and helmets are inspected, basic traffic laws are reviewed, and safe bicycle and equipment handling are practiced. Afterwards, two bicycles are given away and everyone enjoys a hot dog meal.
Donation Boxes
Culvers and Altoona Family Restaurant generously allow us to place small donation boxes on their counters. The money raised goes to our Childhood Cancer Campaign (see Aluminum Can Recycling).