Promise Yourself —

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

A Message from Ron Graves, 2007-2008 OIF President

ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY

Dear Optimist Friends,

Every day is a great day to be an Optimist but this day is better than ever because we begin a parallel historical year with Optimist International. Theo and I have each set historical goals. OIF goals require commitment and dedication as well as the support coming from Theo and his Vice Presidents, Governors, and Club Members.

$1 Million in unrestricted funds is our goal. Each Optimist will be charting a new page in Club and Foundation history. Success starts here, right now, today with you! Old and new ideas will be presented this year. I ask you to stay open to the future and be willing to make history today.

All of us give according to our ability and some can give more than others. But all who give are important, regardless of the size of the gift. I ask that each of you become Leaders in Giving. Wear that title mentally behind your name every time you write it. Write it on your mirror in the morning and on the steering wheel of your car.

Any group of people who have a responsibility from year to year to perpetuate a cause, make choices. President Theo has a choice; I have a choice; your OIF Board has a choice. You have a choice, too. You can choose to be ordinary and simply a good caretaker, or you can be part of history – you can be EXTRAORDINARY.

Theo and I have made our choices. We ask each of you to go beyond settling for the ordinary – to move into the EXTRAORDINARY. Do that EXTRA it takes to be the best Optimist ever. Commit to reaching an historical level of giving. Commit today to set District, Club, and individual goals that are reachable, realistic and yet historical in nature. Placing one foot after another, shoulder to shoulder, we will reach the $1 Million goal.

I have set some strong Foundation goals for the coming year and invite you to join me.

The most important aspect of all this will be that you “PROMISE YOURSELF” to do your very best. This promise will be reflected in the future HOPE and benefits we can provide for children worldwide.

Commit to $1 Million. Reach out and ask for $1 Million. Be part of OIF and OI history. On September 30, 2008, when the OIF figure of $1 Million (or more) is reached, I want all of us to be able to say we accomplished what we set out to do -- we were never ordinary in our efforts. We were and are EXTRAORDINARY!

Yours in Optimism,

Ron Graves, President
Optimist International Foundation

Optimist International Foundation Makes a Difference for Optimist Clubs and their Children

Established in 1971, the Optimist International Foundation has been instrumental in providing significant funding for the charitable, literary and educational purposes of Optimist International, a community service based organization committed to creating a more optimistic future for young people through innovative programs.

Optimists...Bringing Out The Best In Kids

Optimist volunteers serve as leaders, mentors and friends to help kids achieve a more positive and productive life. Optimists create opportunities for youth as they develop into adulthood and become role models for future generations.

An Optimistic Attitude

Optimists believe that a positive approach can make all the difference in the world. Through service programs, Optimists develop positive attitudes and approaches to life that enable young people to excel in school and in their community.

Investing In Young People

Optimists believe that investing a few hours a week to mentor, educate, inspire and believe in young people can ensure a better tomorrow.

Personal Development

Optimists gain leadership experience, and grow both personally and professionally. Optimists value the social and business relationships they develop with like-minded individuals in their community.