Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation
is a voluntary, organization of local civic-minded men and women motivated by the desire to contribute to the community. By believing in young people and empowering them to be the best they can, Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live. There are 105,000 members who belong to more than 3,200 clubs worldwide serving over six million young people every year.
Toy Drive a Big Success!
The 2022 Optimist Holiday Toy Drive Party was a tremendous success this year with over 170 attendees donating 254 toys and gifts that will be distributed to local needy children and teens through the Sharpsburg Family Worship Center's Christmas Toy Event (last year's event is pictured above).
Many thanks to our chairperson, Sharon Rigatti, and the Toy Drive Planning Committee, made up of Lisa Weber, Diane Leslie & John and Dave Harford for planning a wonderful club event and for keeping the Optimist Toy Drive tradition alive, dating all the way back to 1941 when The Pittsburgh Optimist Club started to collect and distribute toys in our area. This eventually turned into The Goodfellows and Toys for Tots program, which still exists today. The club also raised over $5500, which will be used to help fund the many programs and projects that we will support throughout the coming year.
We helped to make a lot of kids Christmas a little merrier this year.
Carl A. Bongiovanni Scholarship
Golf Fundraising Event
June 16, 2023
On behalf of the Bongiovanni family and the golf committee, thank you all for your participation in the 2022 golf outing. Your generosity netted over $20,000 to be given to deserving young people choosing a career in the construction trades. We were delighted that one of this year’s scholarship awardees was able to join us for dinner.
We have booked next year’s outing at the same place (Pittsburgh National Golf Club) on Friday, June 16, 2023. Mark your calendars now!
Congratulations to our scholarship winners!
Rich Kriston Scholarship:
Kate Carnevale (Fox Chapel Area HS)
Carl Bongiovanni Scholarship:
Charlie Faulkner (Deer Lakes HS & Beattie Vo Tech)
Joshua Latoza (Slippery Rock HS & Butler Vo Tech)
Nathan Tabon (Hampton HS 2018)
Do you enjoy helping others?
PITTSBURGH NORTH OPTIMIST CLUB is currently recruiting new members, supporters & leaders. We continue to look for new, creative ideas to help the local youth & community. By joining the Optimist Club you could help develop and implement projects & programs that improve our neighborhoods and give more opportunities and help to our local youth.
Previously, monthly meetings were held at a local restaurant or Lauri Ann West Community Center. (Pre-Covid) Hopefully, we will be able to resume holding them in the not too distant future. Meetings last no longer than an hour and are followed by social time which is fun and a good opportunity to meet or catch up with fellow Optimists! Attending meetings is not mandatory.
PNOC conducts two annual fundraisers, the Ducky Derby and Toy Drive Party. Both are exciting events that offer the opportunity to get involved, although your time commitment to volunteer is a personal decision, there is no pressure. There are many other projects where you may choose to devote your time. More information can be found on our website pittsburghoptimist.com.
If you would like to join a committed, friendly & fun group of community-minded folks contact John Harford by phone, 412-782-4120 or by email at jharfordjr@aol.com.
Let's talk
If you're optimistic, or if you want to become more optimistic then contact us. Helping others is one of the best feelings in the world, it will feed your hope for the future generations. Use the form below to reach us by email. Cheers!
