The Optimist Club of Greater-Vienna installed seven new members on Feb. 3. The members’ sponsors accompanied them to their installation. Photo by Donna Manz.
On Feb. 3, the Optimist Club of Greater-Vienna presented a $29,000-plus donation to Growing Hope of Northern Virginia, in support of local families confronting childhood cancer. Growing Hope began, simply, in 1988, by providing art supplies to young cancer patients. Today, Growing Hope supports the patient and the family equally with tickets to big events, birthday cakes, picnics and needs that arise. And, for a decade, the Optimist Club of Greater-Vienna has supported Growing Hope.
“Families appreciate that we help make wishes come true,” said Growing Hope board member, Paula Lackey, who accepted the check on behalf of the nonprofit.
The Optimists’ annual Christmas tree sale and Family Fun Day raise funds for the Optimists’ support of Growing Hope and other youth-focused programs in the community. Since the launch of Family Fun Day in 2006, the Optimists have raised more than $351,000 for Growing Hope.
The Optimists’ motto is, “bringing out the best in kids.” To learn more about the Greater-Vienna Optimists club, go to www.optimistclubofgreatervienna.org.