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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
27th Annual Golf Outing - Monday June 24, 2024
Event Features:
– Lunch, Green Fees, Cart, Dinner and Prizes included in registration fee!
– 11:30 am – Registration and Lunch
– 1:00 pm – Shotgun Start, Scramble Format
– Closest to the pin challenge
– Dinner, 50-50, trophies and prizes to follow
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
2023-2024 Meeting Schedule and Events
Friday, Sept. 15, 2023
Ken Lucianin, Sr. Beefsteak Dinner
Athenia Veteran’s Post
147 Huron Ave., Clifton, NJ
6:30 pm
Thurs., Nov. 2, 2023
7:00 pm
December 9-10, 16-17 2023
Line of Coins/Bag for Bucks—ShopRite, Passaic, NJ
See link to sign up and choose time.
Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
Person of the Year Dinner
The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ
7:00 pm
Thurs., Apr. 25, 2024
Youth Appreciation Awards Ceremony Dinner
Garden Vista Ballroom, Passaic, NJ
7:00 pm
Thurs., May 16, 2024
Community Service Awards Dinner
The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ
7:00 pm
Wed., May 29, 2024
Foundation Trustees Scholarship Awards Dinner Meeting–TBD
7:00 pm
June 2024 (TENTATIVE)
Youth in Government Day Luncheon
Garden Vista Ballroom, Passaic, NJ
12:30 pm
Mon., June 24, 2024
27th Annual Optimist Golf Outing Fundraiser
Black Bear Golf Club
138 Rt. 23 N., Franklin, NJ
12:00 pm
TBD
Club Picnic-TBD
TBD
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 […]