The Great Falls Optimist Club has received a much-needed check for $10,000 from Computer Sciences Corp. The funds will be used to sponsor next year’s Great Falls Children’s Festival. The festival was canceled this year, leaving the group without a major fund-raising venue. The plastic candy and gem-filled eggs from the canceled event were taken by members of the Optimists to Children’s Hospital and donated to the children there.
The Great Falls Optimists consider themselves a “small but mighty” organization. They are involved with numerous community projects but are best known for the Spring Festival, the Fall Festival and the Fourth of July Event.
Nell Lennon, president of the club said, “We are a child-centered, nonprofit organization, with the purpose of supporting, encouraging and challenging children to greater heights.”
Optimist Darren Ewing said, “The money will provide for activities for the youth of the community. We’re going to be able to take that money and give it back to the community through the Optimists Charter.”
Dr. Michael McCombs and TR Cook delivered 9,000 eggs to the hospital after the Spring Festival was canceled. “We had boxes that were stuffed so full they were splitting open. The hospital was very grateful to get them. They got them just in time. I’m sure they made a lot of kids happy,” said McCombs.