Making an Impact: Our Events & Initiatives
Blessings in a Backpack
Our local program has a formal partnership with the national Blessings in a Backpack program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization feeding 88,900 children in fall 2020 at more than 1,090 schools in 46 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
Fishing Derby
The Fishing Derby, founded over 15 years ago by Optimist Doyle Carter, invites children ages 2–12 to fish and release in timed rounds, building confidence and creating lasting memories.
Milford Holiday Parade
The Huron Valley Optimists and Junior Optimists bring the Polar Express to life in the Milford Holiday Parade, complete with festive floats, dancing, and thoughtful gifts for the community.
Family Holiday Help
The Huron Valley Optimists partner with Open Door and Community Sharing each Christmas to provide personalized gifts and holiday cheer to local families in need.
Scholarship Contests – Empowering Student Voices
The Huron Valley Optimists host Oratorical, Essay, and Communication contests for students, offering local and district-level scholarship opportunities worth thousands of dollars.
Magic Hug Squares
A Magic Hug Square is a project that delivers Beanie Babies wrapped in hand-made knit or crochet blankets in medical or other settings where they may be experiencing a crisis.
Veteran’s Day – Honoring Those Who Served
The Huron Valley Optimists co-host Veteran’s Day celebrations at Lakeland High School, honoring local veterans with decorations, refreshments, and meaningful connections with students.
Trunk or Treat Events – Halloween Fun for the Whole Community(Dates Vary Each October)
The Huron Valley Optimists bring Halloween fun to Trunk or Treat events with a spooky train float, candy giveaways, and friendly costumed volunteers at community gatherings each October.
Autumnfest – A Pumpkin-Packed Fall Celebration
Join us at Ruggles Farm Market for Autumnfest, a family-friendly fall celebration with pumpkin hunts, painting, games, treats, and seasonal activities every 2nd Saturday in October.
Junior Optimists (JOI)
Huron Valley Optimists sponsor Junior Optimist International (JOI) clubs at Milford and Lakeland High Schools, helping students build leadership, teamwork, and community service skills while connecting with youth worldwide.
Opti-Cab
The Huron Valley Optimists offer limited transportation assistance for school-enrolled teens who need help getting to or from certain after-school activities when no other ride is available.
Fundraiser Events: Turning Fun into Community Impact
Special Olympic Raffle Tickets – A Win for You and the Community
Support Special Olympics and the Huron Valley Optimists by purchasing raffle tickets—eligible for 365 daily Michigan Lottery draws with prizes up to $5,000.
Comedy Night – An Evening of Laughter and Giving
Join the Huron Valley Optimists for Comedy Night at Baker’s in Milford—an evening of laughter, auctions, raffles, great food, and community spirit to support local youth programs.
Flower Sales – Blooms That Give Back
Brighten your home and help feed local children through the Huron Valley Optimists’ seasonal flower sales—spring blooms, holiday poinsettias, and fall mums supporting Blessings in a Backpack and other projects.
Charity Poker Fundraisers – Supporting Youth Through Gaming Events
The Huron Valley Optimists raise funds for youth programs through Charity Poker events, handling chip sales and transactions at up to four state-approved events each year.
Contact Us
Get In Touch
Telephone:
(248) 563-0930
Email:
info@HuronValleyOptimists.org
Mail:
PO Box 1015, Highland, MI 48357