Talbot Optimist Club

The Talbot Optimist Club (TOC), of Easton, Maryland, has been meeting the needs of Talbot County youth by "bringing out the best in kids" since 1996. The club is a member of the Maryland/South Delaware District (www.mdsdoptimist.org) of Optimist International (www.optimist.org) and was founded under Charter president Richie Wheatley of Easton, who currently co-chairs the annual Christmas Tree & Greenery sale with President Tim Glass. Now in its 16th year, the Talbot Optimist Club has raised more than $225,000 supporting local youth, including the sponsorship of the Optimist Field at the A. James Clark North Easton Sports Complex, and much needed annual support to organizations like the Talbot YMCA, Talbot Mentors, Boy Scouts, Easton Little League, as well as art programs, public and private school initiatives, leadership camps, sport activities and more. Most people know the Talbot Optimist Club through the month-long Christmas Tree and Greenery Sale at the Talbot YMCA each December, which has become a community event through a cadre of volunteers extending beyond the club's members. Other fundraising projects include partnering with the Easton Ruritans for concessions at the Talbot County Fair, Pit Beef fundraisers at Easton's Blockbuster; sponsorship of the Homerun Baker Field in Trappe, and past participation in Talbot's Relay. Each spring the club helps sponsor the Kids Fun Run at North Easton Park/Rail to Trails, and hosts an Oratorical Contest, where youth 15 and younger brave the stage of the historic Avalon Theatre to deliver an inspiring speech for a chance at an Optimist International $2,500 scholarship. Golf Tournament, an invitational qualifying event for Optimist International's Jr.