It was a night of giving as the Optimist Club of Arcola hosted their 2018 Rally Banquet. After hosting their 25th Annual Snowmobile Rally in January the Optimists – a club which focuses on helping better the lives of youth – presented various clubs and youth organizations with 100 percent of the ticket sales that each one sold.
“Over the last few years it’s been our great pleasure to help,” Optimist President Blake Brownridge stated. “It helps several communities and we hope to help you realize your goals.”
A total of 2,300 tickets were sold: 872 were sold by Optimist Club members, 183 were sold by the Arcola Curling Club, 250 by the Arcola Day Care, 100 by Arcola Figure Skating, 80 by the Arcola Rodeo Committee, 234 by the Moose Mountain Wado Kai Karate Club, 77 by the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation, 104 by the Prairie Place Complex, 100 by the Rebels Volleyball Club, and 300 by the Southeast Vipers Volleyball Club (14U and 16U teams).
Donations of 90 percent of the sales were able to go back to the clubs this year, which Brownridge says is tied into the great support from sponsors, which allow the Optimists to host the Snowmobile Rally itself.
“Our rally was very, very successful… especially when it was a snowmobile rally with no snow,” Brownridge laughed. “So many people came out to put their name in for prizes and to talk about the last 24 years. There were a lot of people who chose to spend their day with us.”
“Everything we do that day, we have phenomenal sponsors, who ensure that its always a success and because of them we were able to give out nearly $27,000; so thank you to the business owners for your support and allowing us to do what we do.”
Additionally an annual donation of $500 is given to the Moose Mountain Snowmobile Club for allowing the Optimists to use their trails and for ensuring they are freshly groomed for the event. Although there was unfortunately no snow this year, a donation for the appreciation of the Snowmobile Club was still given although a representative was unable to attend that night.
This year the Optimists have a few projects in the works, which includes discussions with the town over relocating the RV Park in town.
“We feel like we could make it a better fit for the town,” Brownridge said. “The one here in town right now is a tight fit for many of the newer units and it’s a long ways from the functions that all seem to be held over there;” gesturing in the direction of Prairie Place Complex and the Rodeo Grounds.
They are also looking at the possibility of building a skate park in town like Wawota has done. This project is thought to be a one or two year project and they are hopeful government grants will be available to them.
Additionally the Optimists maintain and operate The Mac – the local theatre which shows movies and brings in live entertainment. This building has undergone major renovations over the years and this coming spring a power upgrade will be one more improvement that the Optimists will have achieved with the theatre.
“It’s been really nice to be able to have that available in town,” Brownridge added. “It doesn’t just serve Arcola, but many other families, kids, and adults enjoy the movies from all over.”
