The Worthington Optimists Club has sponsored events for children for 50 years – The Globe

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a summer series focusing on community nonprofits, what they do, and how to get involved. The Worthington Optimists Club is next in the series.

WORTHINGTON – When other organizations need funding to support children, they know to call the Worthington Optimists Club.

By operating many lottery locations in the area — from Adrian to Brewster — the Optimists raise money to support children through high school age. Funds also come from online gambling sites and video lotteries. Melissa Jensen, secretary-treasurer of the Optimists, said the club donated $36,000 last year.

Pull tabs, which work essentially the same as the usual scratch-off tickets found at gas stations, are sold at area bars and VFWs for $1, $2, $5 and $10.

The club meets on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Worthington Elks’ Lodge. Jensen estimates that 20 active members attend the meetings. Representatives from children’s activities present what they need money for, and the optimists discuss whether and how much to donate.

“Gambling has been very successful lately. A few years ago, if you asked for $1,000, we would usually give you $500,” Jensen said. “Lately, if you asked for $1,000, we would give you $2,000.”

The Optimists’ main goal is to “support children and their activities.” This includes funding the King Turkey Day inflatables, donations to the basketball and wrestling teams, and helping to fund fairs, the discovery room, and classrooms at Prairie Elementary.

“I can’t think of a children’s organization that we’ve ever turned down money from,” said Jensen, who works as an interventionist at Prairie Elementary School.

In addition, the club hosts its own events to increase its presence in the community. Club members pay an annual membership fee of $100 to fund the logistical aspects of these events, such as a freezer for food.

The Optimists sponsor the YMCA All-Comers Track and Field Meet, an annual Easter Egg Hunt, and recently hosted a fishing derby in conjunction with Take a Kid Fishing weekend.

And at all these events there is always a staple food.

“We offer hot dogs,” Jensen said. “We’re known for helping out in that regard as well.”

The group’s other donations include funding mission trips for local churches, archery clubs and area high school proms. The Optimists also donated $7,000 to Worthington High School’s recent band trip to California.

With the all-around athletics meet coming up at the end of July, Jensen said the club’s main focus is to increase membership. The club is looking for more young parents whose children are still in school.

“(The club) used to be full of members who had children,” Jensen said.

Anyone who wants to join the club can attend a meeting and talk with another member. Meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Worthington.

In addition, interested parties can also speak to any existing member at an Optimist event and learn more about the club.

Jensen says one of the highlights of being a member of the Optimists is meeting different people – people she might never have met otherwise. Since the club shares a meeting room with the Elks, she has gotten to know many of their members.

“It’s always a nice feeling when I feel the appreciation of the groups that receive money from us,” said Jensen. “Because it’s all used for such good causes.”

Information about Worthington Optimists:

Contact: Melissa Jensen

Phone: 507-360-6305

Email: [email protected]

Meeting: 7 p.m., first Monday of the month.

Address: Worthington Elks Lodge, 1105 Second Ave., Worthington.

The Elks Lodge is open Monday through Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Aiden Penner will be a sophomore at Bethel University in St. Paul studying journalism. This summer, he will intern at The Globe and gain experience in news and sports journalism. He will graduate from Mountain Lake High School in 2023.