Hopewell Optimist History
The Optimist Club of Hopewell is a non-profit Civic organization and has been a leader
in promoting youth activities in the community of Hopewell since 1953.
The purpose of the organization is to aid in the development of youth; to inspire respect
for law, in the belief that giving of one's self in service to others will advance the
well-being of youth, his community, and world.
The Hopewell Optimist Club meets in its building on Lynchburg Street at 7:00PM · on the
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
The Club is supported by an auxiliary', the Opti Mrs. Club, made up of the wives of the
membership and they assist the Club in all of its fund raising activities. Their meetings
are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30PM at the Optimist Club Building.
In May 1957 and January 1959, the club purchased land to build our first building of
what is now the Optimist Building, located on Lynchburg street. Several additions have
been added and now include a modern kitchen and storage area, a garage and BBQ facilities.
The Club also has property on 15th Avenue at Washington Circle, where pumpkin and Christmas Tree sales are held annually. The Club Building is used for club sponsored stews, BBQ’s, Bingo,weddings. parties, catered affairs, and receptions.
In 1978 our first Hopewell Optimist PEE WEE Baseball Tournament was held. Two years later the Youth Tournament was added and was renamed, The Hopewell Optimist Baseball Classic,providing South side, Virginia a tournament for youth where over the years, 5000 players have participated.
Since 1953, we have sponsored a variety of programs to include: Youth Appreciation Week, Respect for Law Week, Christmas Families, Baptist Children's Home Christmas Party, Spring and Fall Sports Banquets for Hopewell High School.,Youth in Government,Drug Awareness Program (DARE), American Legion Baseball Team, Youth Bowling Banquet,Wrestling Tournament and Banquet, Girls Softball League (13 teams), Boys Baseball, Pee Wee and Youth Teams, Bike Safety at 4 schools, Oratorical and Essay Contests, Youth Fishing Tournament, Partners in Education, After Prom Party, Scholarship Program for High School Seniors,Baseball Classic Tournament, Help Them Hear Program, and Super Kids Foundation.
A conservative figure of 4000, is the estimated number of children served annually by the
Optimist Club of Hopewell.
Our Fund raising projects have permitted us to give scholarships at Hopewell High School, as well as make donations to special school groups like Mixed Company a music group from Hopewell High School, and the Junior ROTC Program and to each school in the system, help build baseball fields, donate to installation of ball field lights. The Club donates to many worthwhile Youth and Community Projects, as well as individual youth needs.
The Optimist has 2 originial members still on the roster-Fred Phillips and John Royster.