Winter Haven Optimist Club
Winter Haven Optimist Club
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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Programs
    • Membership
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Programs
  • Membership
  • Contact Us
Optimist International logo

About Us

Optimists - Bringing out the best in kids

More Info

Service to youth and community has been the foremost principle of the Optimist Clubs for more than 100 years. The Optimist Motto, " Friend of Youth", is exemplified by some of the many projects our club sponsors annually.  The Winter Haven Optimist Club has been serving the Winter Haven community for over five decades.

Academics

Fundraising

Academics

An emphasis is placed on academic achievement.  The Club offers several sizeable college scholarships each May to deserving graduating High School students.  Books were previously donated to Garner Elementary students to encourage reading.  The Club also provides school supplies, socks and underwear to local elementary schools to support student achievement.


Athletics

Fundraising

Academics

Physical activity is necessary for all people to help ensure a lifetime of good health. Offering kids the opportunity to be active and to compete is crucial for their personal development. Forming healthy physical habits should start early. The club sponsors various physical activities as well as specific athletic events.

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Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising

Fundraising is truly the bottom line: The more we raise, the more we can offer to our kids and organizations that we support. Our current major fundraiser is the "Santa's Run Fest for Our Kids". This 15k, 10K, 5K, and Kids' Sprints event has been held every December since 2016. Please see registration at www.santasrunfest.org. Prior to th

Fundraising is truly the bottom line: The more we raise, the more we can offer to our kids and organizations that we support. Our current major fundraiser is the "Santa's Run Fest for Our Kids". This 15k, 10K, 5K, and Kids' Sprints event has been held every December since 2016. Please see registration at www.santasrunfest.org. Prior to this, the club conducted Christmas tree sales for several decades.

Community Involvement​

Kids standing by a red Optimist table

Club setting up a booth at the Chamber of Commerce Community Fest in Central Park.

Club members Volunteering at the WHPD 5k Special Olympics event at the pie serving table and the water station on the race route.

Students starting a track race

Elementary School Track Meet

Group photo at April 2024 conference

NFL District Conference, April 2024

Children running in a holiday race

Santa's Run Fest for Our Kids

It takes a team of dedicated volunteers to assure our club is reaching out to as many organizations and kids as it can. We're fortunate to have some of the best folks dedicating their time, energy, and expertise to this cause.

Members standing for the Optimist Creed

Reciting the Creed at Every Meeting

Members in scrubs at surgical unit

Club Meeting at the Robotic Surgical Unit Winter Haven Hospital

Additional Photos

Various Club Activities

City of WH 50-year service proclamation
Optimist International proclamation

City of W.H. and Optimist International proclamations recognizing the Club's 50 years of service to youth and the community.

Winter Haven Optimist Club logo

High School Scholarships recipients with Club Chairman Perry Albritton.

Handing donations to Homeless students

Crockpot donations to Homeless students of Polk County.

2024 Oratorical Contest participants

2024 Oratorical Contest contestants.

2025 Santa's Run Fest for Our Kids

Optimist hat and Stories for Students brochures.

Stories for Students. Books donated to Garner Elementary​.

Kids gathered at the race start line.

Sheriff Grady Judd addressing the Student Appreciation attendees.

Optimist hat and Stories for Students brochures
Sheriff Grady Judd speaking to students
5th grade track meet at Denison Stadium
Winter Haven Optimist Club logo

Fifth Grade Elementary Schools track meet at Denison Stadium.

Winter Haven Optimist Club

P.O. Box 7586, Winter Haven, FL 33883-7586

(863) 258-2958 | phalbrittonjr@msn.com

Copyright © 2026, Winter Haven Optimist Club. All Rights Reserved.

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