Join Us
The Passaic Optimist Club holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of young people and honor those who serve them and the wider community. The funds raised through these events go toward the scholarships we award each year that help youth attain their dreams of college and the greater opportunities higher education offers, and to supporting athletic programs and civic organizations that support youth.
We also hold events that simply bring the power of optimism into the community, such as: our Hot Dog Night, which honors the players of both the Passaic and Clifton High School football teams; our annual Essay Contest; and Youth Appreciation, Community Service and Beefsteak awards dinners.
The Passaic Optimist Foundation is pleased to announce that it has approved 58 scholarships totaling $77,000 for college bound 2023 Passaic High School graduates! Special thanks to the Nicholas Martini Foundation for funding 15 of these scholarships. The 2023 awards also include eight 4-year Harold Ferguson renewable scholarships, two Hank Opalka renewable scholarships, the Jennie Ciuppa Scholarship, three Steve Cerdan memorial scholarships, three Gerard Arellano memorial scholarships, two Kenneth Lucianin, Sr. scholarships, and 23 general scholarships. None of these awards would be possible without the generosity of many friends and supporters of the Passaic Optimist Club.
We hold our regular monthly meetings on Thursdays at various local restaurants beginning at 7:00 p.m., September through June. First-time visitors are welcome. With optimism also comes reverie and camaraderie.
The Foundation’s and Club’s annual tax returns are on file with the Internal Revenue Service. You may request a copy of the tax filings by sending a message through the “Contact” tab above.
Our Signature Events
4th annual Kenneth and Joanne Lucianin Beefsteak dinner fundraiser
Kenneth and Joanne met in the US Navy at the San Diego Naval Base and were married in 1954. Upon both being Honorably Discharged they returned to Ken’s hometown of Passaic where he was born and raised. Joanne was born in Cape Vincent, NY.
Ken was a Former Board of Education Member. Passaic Police Captain, City of Passaic Business Administrator. and Police Director. Joanne was busy raising their 10 children and of whom attended Passaic Public Schools.
Tickets are $80 per person.
Friday, October 17, 2025 at 7pm
Athenia Veterans Post, 147 Huron Avenue, Clifton, NJ
Bobbie Allen Cigar Night
Tickets are $100 per person. You ticket includes a buffet dinner, 3 premium cigars, soft drinks, a welcome “old fashioned” cocktail, and free bourbon shots. All proceeds will benefit the Optimist Club Bobbie Allen Scholarship.
Friday, September 19, 2025 at 7pm
The Oakley Kitchen, 789 Bloomfield Ave, Nutley NJ
28th Annual Passaic Optimist Club Golf Outing Fundraiser
Annual ``Person of the Year`` Dinner/Tricky Tray Fundraiser
Awarding Scholarships
Youth Appreciation Dinner
Youth in Government Day
Community Service Awards
This year’s Passaic Optimist President’s Award recipient is Jerry Gallagher, a committed member of our executive board who has played in an instrumental role in the success of our organization for many years.
Meeting Schedule
2025-2026 Meeting Schedule and Events
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Ken Lucianin Beefsteak Fundraiser
Athenia Veterans Post
147 Huron Ave., Clifton
7:00 pm
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025
7:00 pm
December 13-14 and
December 20-21 2025
Line of Coins/Bag for Bucks—ShopRite, Passaic, NJ
(Link forthcoming via text and email)
See link to sign up and choose time.
Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026
General Meeting – Virtual via ZOOK LINK
7:00 pm
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
Person of the Year Dinner
The Brownstone
351 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ
7:00 pm
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Educators of Excellence Brunch Fundraiser
The Brownstone
351 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ
12 noon
Friday, March 27, 2026
(TENTATIVE DATE)
Youth in Government Day
Passaic City Hall, Passaic, NJ
TBD
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Youth Appreciation Awards Dinner
The Roman Palace
194B Jefferson St, Passaic, NJ
7:00 pm
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Community Service Awards Dinner
The Brownstone
351 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ
7:00 pm
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Scholarship Committee dinner meeting
Location: TBD
7:00 pm
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
29th Annual Optimist Golf Outing Fundraiser
Crystal Springs Golf Club–the old course
Vernon, NJ
11:00 am check-in
TBD
Club Picnic–TBD
7:00 pm
Club News
2024 Optimist Scholarships
The Passaic Optimist Foundation is pleased to announce that it has approved 58 scholarships totaling $77,000 for college bound 2023 Passaic High School graduates! Special thanks to the Nicholas Martini Foundation for funding 15 of these scholarships. The 2023 awards also include eight 4-year Harold Ferguson renewable scholarships, two Hank Opalka renewable scholarships, the Jennie Ciuppa Scholarship, three Steve Cerdan memorial scholarships, three Gerard Arellano memorial scholarships, two Kenneth Lucianin, Sr. scholarships, and 23 general scholarships. None of these awards would be possible without the generosity of many friends and supporters of the Passaic Optimist Club.
2024 Passaic Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Recipients
City Of Passaic Recognizes Passaic Optimist Club’s Dr. Joseph Buga
The Mayor and Council of the City of Passaic recently named the public plaza at 665 Main Avenue as the Dr. Joseph Buga Parque in recognition of his contributions to the civic life of Passaic and its residents. Joe was born and raised in Passaic’s eastside, and began his community […]