On Saturday, May 21, 2011, the community came together to celebrate the club's 50 year anniversary.
Over the years the Arnprior Optimist Club has given, by a conservative estimate, at least $2 million to the community. They support schools for academics and sports, participate in graduation exercises, assist children with special needs, sponsor hockey, dance and wrestling clubs among many others.
In the community they participate in the Winter Carnival, Bike Rodeo, Canada Day and built the Optimist Baseball Diamond. Currently, the Arnprior Optimist Club has pledged to raise $100,000 for the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital Partners in Caring Campaign.
President Robbie Burton remarked during his formal presentation, "We should all be proud." Yes they should.
Special recognition went to long-serving members including Charter Members Lorne Bretzlaff, John Scardino and Peter McLaughlin.
Shown in the picture are Arnprior Mayor David Reid and Arnprior Optimist Club president Robbie Burton.
Photo credit: John Carter, YourOttawaRegion.com
Photo credit: John Carter, YourOttawaRegion.com
