Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club

02/24/2026

We got more talent than you got in your little pinky! Prove us wrong!

02/10/2026

Today, we heard two really engaging speakers at our Breakfast meeting. First, Helen Viloria, a Senior at KU who started a Community Hygiene Closet at Central Middle School. She's identified a need for items such as shampoos, conditioners, tampons, toothbrushes, etc. She has secured a grant, she's located a space within the school (not an easy task), and she's getting a Student Advisory Board in place -all the while by being the chair over 45 students at Watkins Scholarship Hall and being an honor student studying economics and Chinese! Let's help this amazing person achieve her goals by donating products or money to the Community Hygiene closet at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School. The second speaker was Emily Henry from Harvesters
Food Bank. Do you know Harvesters supplies food to 27 counties in Kansas? They are located where the old Reuter Organ company used to be at 1220 Timberedge in Lawrence, KS. They drive out as far as Wilson County. 73% of all people they assist with food live on $25,000 less a year. That number is really incredible, isn't it? Please help Harvesters at harvesters.org.

11/17/2025

Today, we celebrate the wonder, potential, and limitless promise held within every child.

On International Children’s Day, Optimist International stands united in our belief that every young person deserves encouragement, opportunity, and a world that sees their brilliance before their barriers.

To all the children across the globe:
May you grow with confidence, dream without hesitation, and feel supported by communities that champion your future.

To our volunteers, partners, and friends:
Thank you for being the caring hearts and guiding hands that help children shine. Your optimism gives hope wings.

Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow—one child, one moment of encouragement, one act of kindness at a time.
Happy International Children’s Day! 🌟💙

To become an Optimist volunteer visit https://www.optimist.org/landingpage/

11/08/2025

Join us for Pancakes this morning at the American Legion In Lawrence!

11/03/2025

The Lawrence Breakfast Optimists meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00am to hear speakers from around the community. October's Speakers were fantastic! First, we heard from small busines owner, Shawn Malone from Wild Bird's Unlimited about the plight of songbirds in our area and how to help them prosper. 🦅🦉

Next, we heard from David Springe, Executive Director of the National Assoc. of State Utility Consumer Advocates. We learned about large data centers being built in the area and the need for more electricity, and how it's going to cost us! 🫣

Join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, November 11th at 7:00am at Stonehill Hotel, 6101 Rock Chalk Dr. Lawrence, KS 66049. 🥞🥯

07/24/2025

I know what you are thinking: "If only I had the registration form for the Texas Hold 'Em event" Well, wish granted!! 🧞🎉

Lawrence Breakfast Optimist would like to sincerely thank Andrew Magleby for his support, creativity, and expertise in the development of this website.

07/15/2025

♠️ Feeling lucky... and charitable? 😄
Join the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club’s Texas Hold ’Em Tournament and go all in for the kids! 🃏

We’ve got cards, drinks, cash prizes, and yes, bar snacks. Bring your poker face and your big heart.
💰 $50 donation to play / $20 to spectate
🎉 2 drinks + snacks included
🗓️ Saturday, September 6 | 🕠 Doors at 5:30 PM
📍 Smith Center, 4730 Brandon Woods Ter, Lawrence

Beginner? No problem—we’re even teaching a class at 6 PM!
Tournament starts at 6:30 PM—don’t be late or you'll be dealt out! 😉

📲 Register early (by Aug 26) for discounted entry:
👉 lawrencebreakfastoptimist.org
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ 785.691.5565

Help kids. Have fun. Bluff responsibly.

05/28/2025

I had the best surprise today at Dutch Bros Coffee! Not only was the Broista super-friendly (shout-out to great service!), but I noticed something special on the side of their drive-up shop — a line straight from our Optimist Creed:
“To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.” 💛

What a perfect reminder to start the day with strength, optimism, and a good cup of coffee. ☕️💪
P.S. I hear they are hiring and pay well!

05/12/2025

Join us on May 14th for a Ribbon Cutting with Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to help celebrate Just Food's new garden and outdoor education space! 4:30pm at 1000 E. 11th Street! Congratulations, Just Food!!

https://members.lawrencechamber.com/events/details/ribbon-cutting-just-food-new-garden-and-outdoor-education-space-16361?

04/30/2025

Optimists are akin to caterpillars; they undergo a transformative process, surmount challenges, maintain a positive outlook, and inspire hope as they emerge as butterflies!

* Transformation: The caterpillar's metamorphosis into a butterfly symbolizes personal growth and the overcoming of challenges to attain a higher potential.

* Acceptance of change: Although the transformation process may seem intimidating, the caterpillar fully commits to the change, exemplifying a positive outlook.

* Hope for the future: Despite being in a seemingly limited state, the caterpillar holds onto the hope of its future potential as a butterfly.

To learn more about transforming your life by becoming an Optimist, visit https://www.optimist.org/join.cfm

04/23/2025

🌄 Be Inspired. Make a Difference. Join Us!

This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Rhett Evans, who shared his incredible journey to the summit of Mt. Everest—a powerful story of optimism, resilience, and determination. His message was a true reminder of what we can accomplish when we have hope and optimism.

At the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club, we bring in inspiring speakers like Rhett on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month—but that’s just the beginning.

We’re a group of passionate individuals working together to make a real difference in the lives of youth in Douglas County—and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

✅ Connect with community leaders
✅ Be inspired and uplifted
✅ Help shape the future for our local youth

📍 Join us at our next meeting!
Details and more info about our club: www.lawrencebreakfastoptimist.org

Come for the inspiration. Stay for the impact.
We can't wait to meet you!