The Optimist Club of Ludington is actively seeking new members. The service club seeks to provide meaningful programs for the benefit of youth in their community.

Members are asked to attend weekly meetings and assist with programs as they are able to with no minimum time commitment. Annual dues are $95 and membership benefits include: Networking with other community-minded individuals, making new friends, gaining positive exposure for one's business or organization, the satisfaction of helping others, learning or sharpening team-building skills, and obtaining leadership opportunities.

The group meets each Tuesday at 12pm at the Ludington American Legion Hall- 318 N. James St.

For more information, contact President Tad Hatch at (231) 845-6251 or thatch@merskin.com.

About the Ludington Optimist Club

The Optimist Club of Ludington strives to "bring out the best in kids". Members are offered the opportunity to mentor students and work hard to provide positive and safe experiences to children in the community. The group believes that by combining their optimism, they will be able to create a positive affect within the community.

The Optimist Creed

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 are 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.

The Ludington Optimists meet every Tuesday at 1:00pm at the American Legion Club, 318 N. James St. in Ludington.

Annual Chess Tournament

The Ludington Optimist Club hosts an annual Youth Chess Tournament every year in May. Any student in elementary school, middle school, or high school is eligible to play and there are generally four divisions for the tournament: lower elementary (Grades Kindergarten-3rd Grade), upper elementary (Grades 4th and 5th), middle school (Grades 6th-8th), and high school (Grades 9th-12th).

The tournament is free and pizza is provided for all participants. Prizes and trophies are awarded for winners in each age division. More information on the 2017 tournament will be published as information becomes available.

Childhood Cancer Campaign

The Childhood Cancer Campaign is an initiative created by the Ludington Optimists to help support local children fighting cancer and their families. Support has included money for groceries, gas, car repair and maintenance, and bills for families helping their child beat cancer.

The Campaign's biggest annual fundraiser is their day of Lemonade Stands where local children set up lemonade stands throughout Mason County in an effort to raise money for the organization.

Other Ludington Optimist Club Programs

Reach-Out-and-Read Program Partner

Jr. Golf Tournament

OSCAR Reading/Mentoring Program for 3rd Graders at Foster Elementary School

Scholarships for Graduating Seniors

Senior Prom Sponsor

Junior Billiard League Sponsor

Sponsor of Christmas Presents for DHS Foster Children

Bike Rodeo

Monthly Outstanding Senior Program

More Ludington Info...