What We Do
Optimist of the Year
The first annual Most Optimistic Community Member Award was given to Todd Taylor at our 2022 fall awards event. Click here to see the article published in the Ventura Breeze: Most Optimistic Community Member Article
Do you know someone who has moved, touched, or inspired you by their optimism? Do you know someone who encourages you to be your best self? Do you know someone who sees hope and makes a positive difference in the lives of others? Each year, the club accepts nominations for the Most Optimistic Community Member.
For more information, please check out the video prepared by CAPS Media: https://vimeo.com/817398393.
Public Safety Officer of the Year
Alternating annually, we honor Ventura Police Department or Ventura Fire Department officers for their contribution to our community's safety. A monetary contribution is made to a youth-oriented program of the officer's choice.
Alternating annually, we honor Ventura Police Department or Ventura Fire Department officers for their contribution to our community's safety. A monetary contribution is made to a youth-oriented program of the officer's choice.
Educator of the Year
Each year we honor an educator from Ventura Unified School District. The honoree and his/her family are invited to our annual BBQ where they are presented with a plaque and a monetary contribution to benefit the educator's classroom. In the recent past we have recognized Dr. Jennifer Robles for her contributions to Bilingual Education and Heidi House for the All-District Choral Program. Our club members thoroughly enjoy hearing about these creative programs.
Each year we honor an educator from Ventura Unified School District. The honoree and his/her family are invited to our annual BBQ where they are presented with a plaque and a monetary contribution to benefit the educator's classroom. In the recent past we have recognized Dr. Jennifer Robles for her contributions to Bilingual Education and Heidi House for the All-District Choral Program. Our club members thoroughly enjoy hearing about these creative programs.
Ventura High Tri-Tip Fundraiser
"Those are the BEST tri-tip sandwiches in the county!" Ventura High School football fans look forward to each new season, not just to see their team play but to enjoy our delicious tri-tip sandwiches freshly prepared for each home game. Through this fundraiser, club members generously donate half of the proceeds to the Ventura High School Parent/Teacher Association and use the rest of the proceeds to fund scholarships, student awards, and other youth activities.
"Those are the BEST tri-tip sandwiches in the county!" Ventura High School football fans look forward to each new season, not just to see their team play but to enjoy our delicious tri-tip sandwiches freshly prepared for each home game. Through this fundraiser, club members generously donate half of the proceeds to the Ventura High School Parent/Teacher Association and use the rest of the proceeds to fund scholarships, student awards, and other youth activities.
Basketball Tournaments
We partner with the East Ventura Optimist Club to help run two basketball tournaments each year. These tournaments are held in December and April, giving thousands of youth an opportunity to participate in competitive sports. Local businesses and individuals are welcomed as sponsors. Contributions may be sent to the Sunrise Optimist Club, P.O. Box 3056, Ventura, CA 93006, with a note to earmark for the Basketball Tournament.
We partner with the East Ventura Optimist Club to help run two basketball tournaments each year. These tournaments are held in December and April, giving thousands of youth an opportunity to participate in competitive sports. Local businesses and individuals are welcomed as sponsors. Contributions may be sent to the Sunrise Optimist Club, P.O. Box 3056, Ventura, CA 93006, with a note to earmark for the Basketball Tournament.
Adopt-a-Poll
Civic responsibility is part of our club's philosophy. We staff a polling place in Ventura for November, June and special elections. Volunteers are always needed to help in our polling place. Before each election we participate in training given by the Ventura County Elections Division so no previous experience is necessary. Contact us if you would like to know more.
Civic responsibility is part of our club's philosophy. We staff a polling place in Ventura for November, June and special elections. Volunteers are always needed to help in our polling place. Before each election we participate in training given by the Ventura County Elections Division so no previous experience is necessary. Contact us if you would like to know more.
Student of the Month
Each month our club recognizes a fifth-grade student from one of the many schools in Ventura Unified School District. The student, parents, teacher, and principal are invited to breakfast with our club. The student is recognized for accomplishments and achievements and receives an award and gift certificate.
Each month our club recognizes a fifth-grade student from one of the many schools in Ventura Unified School District. The student, parents, teacher, and principal are invited to breakfast with our club. The student is recognized for accomplishments and achievements and receives an award and gift certificate.
Oratorical Contest
The Oratorical Contest is open to middle-school-age youth who are invited to speak on a supplied topic. The first-place winner advances to various levels of competition with the winner of the Pacific Southwest District contest earning a $1,500 scholarship. Contest information and applications are available at local area middle schools in the early spring of each year.
The Oratorical Contest is open to middle-school-age youth who are invited to speak on a supplied topic. The first-place winner advances to various levels of competition with the winner of the Pacific Southwest District contest earning a $1,500 scholarship. Contest information and applications are available at local area middle schools in the early spring of each year.
Scholarships
Applications are available at each local high school by mid-March.
Click here to get a Scholarship Application
Applications are available at each local high school by mid-March.
Click here to get a Scholarship Application
Essay Contest
This contest is open to high-school-age youth. Our winner receives a $300 scholarship and advances to the Pacific Southwest District contest where the winner earns a $2,500 scholarship. Contest information and applications are distributed to local high schools in the fall of each year. In 2014, the essay topic was “How Dreams Lead to Success.” Nearly 80 essays, from four high schools were submitted.
This contest is open to high-school-age youth. Our winner receives a $300 scholarship and advances to the Pacific Southwest District contest where the winner earns a $2,500 scholarship. Contest information and applications are distributed to local high schools in the fall of each year. In 2014, the essay topic was “How Dreams Lead to Success.” Nearly 80 essays, from four high schools were submitted.
Social Events
In response to the necessity of safety during these pandemic months we have instituted quarterly Zoom “HAPPY HOURS” so we can connect with each other and get to know our community at the same time. Each HAPPY HOUR features a location or guest speaker that highlights something or someone unique to Ventura. We have enjoyed virtual tours of the Channel Islands and CAPS Media, getting to know our mayor Sofia Rubalcava and author Ken McAlpine to name a few topics.
Our club enjoys having fun together. Social events are scheduled throughout the year. In the fall, our Installation BBQ brings together club members, their families, community members and honored guests. Each summer we have a large potluck. Our club joins with other clubs in the local area as well as clubs in the greater Pacific Southwest District for evenings of food, drink, and camaraderie. We have attended theater productions, choral concerts, and evening dinners.
In response to the necessity of safety during these pandemic months we have instituted quarterly Zoom “HAPPY HOURS” so we can connect with each other and get to know our community at the same time. Each HAPPY HOUR features a location or guest speaker that highlights something or someone unique to Ventura. We have enjoyed virtual tours of the Channel Islands and CAPS Media, getting to know our mayor Sofia Rubalcava and author Ken McAlpine to name a few topics.
Our club enjoys having fun together. Social events are scheduled throughout the year. In the fall, our Installation BBQ brings together club members, their families, community members and honored guests. Each summer we have a large potluck. Our club joins with other clubs in the local area as well as clubs in the greater Pacific Southwest District for evenings of food, drink, and camaraderie. We have attended theater productions, choral concerts, and evening dinners.
