Who We Are
Some people call us a club. Some people call us an organization. Because of our tax-exempt status, we are officially a foundation. We are a small group of volunteers comprised of your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Membership is open to all. With no overhead, the majority of funds raised are invested in local projects. We are particularly focused on kids. We work with schools, churches, and other civic organizations to provide funding, activities, and volunteers to help local youth. We work with Optimist International to make the world a better place. We invite you to join us!
​
​The Optimists meet monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Although we have over 50 members our normal meeting attendance is around 8 to 12. There is absolutely no pressure to attend meetings. Meetings are one hour long. Occasional guest speakers assure that they are interesting and fun. As a member or a supporter, you can choose to participate in any of our projects. Once again, pressure to participate is nonexistent. Pitch in on projects you like or as your time permits.
Who We Support
Allegheny County Wrestling Championships • Aspinwall Baseball Association
Aspinwall Big Night Out • Allegheny Riverfront Park • Band Together Pittsburgh • Blawnox Baseball Association • Boys/Girls Hope • Camp Guyasuta • Circle Camps Dolly Parton Reading Program • Giving Tree • The Everyday Hero Program • First Tee of Pittsburgh • Fox Chapel Area Youth Baseball Teams • Fox Chapel Crew Team • Fox Chapel District Association • Holiday Toy Drive – the Spirit of Christmas • Lauri Ann West Community Center • Lucky Locker Program • North Hills Community Outreach Back to School Program • MLB Jr Home Run Derby • Millvale Boxing Center Music Smiles Program • Optimist International Essay Contest Kerr School: Backpacks, Attendance Program, Clothing for Kids • Recognizing Riverview Raiders Riverview Christmas Gift Fund Roots of Faith • Second Harvest Thrift Store • Shaler Area Baseball Association • Sharpsburg Baseball Association Sharpsburg Ray Schafer Boxing Center • Sharpsburg Family Worship Center • Brian Demchak Hope Run–St. Margaret Foundation • Tickets for Kids • Thanksgiving Back - Fox Chapel Area School District • Carl A. Bongiovanni Scholarship
"Capturing the moments of today that will wow your heart tomorrow"
Our Events
Carl A. Bongiovanni Scholarship Golf Tournament
The annual golf tournament is our biggest fundraiser of the year and raises money to provide students with funding for beginning or continuing his or her education in the building/construction trades at a post-secondary institution. You can sign up to play as an individual or a team, be a sponsor, or simply donate to the cause. Learn more here.
​
Lucky Ducky Derby
The annual Lucky Ducky Derby takes place in the spring at O'Hara Community Park. Ducks are sold and released into the creek in different races and winners receive prizes donated by the local community businesses. This event is big hit with the kids! All Derby donations go to the Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation that is dedicated to empowering youths to be the best that they can be. Learn more here.
​
Cornhole Tournament
The annual cornhole tournament is held in the fall at Allegheny RiverTrail Park. Registered teams participate for prizes donated by the Optimist Foundation and local community businesses and there is a food truck and beverages on hand. All proceeds go to the Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation and invested in organizations that benefit local youth. Learn more here.
​
Paddle Tennis Tournament
The annual paddle tennis tournament is held in the winter at the Pittsburgh Field Club. Registered teams participate for prizes and gift cards donated by the Optimist Foundation and local community businesses. We bring food and beverages to the paddle hut for people to enjoy between matches. There is a plaque for the winning team(s). All proceeds are in turn donated to organizations that benefit local youth. Details can be found here.
​
Holiday Toy Drive
Every holiday season The Pittsburgh North Optimist Foundation collects donations of unwrapped toys or age appropriate gifts for children up to age 18. All donations are given
to Sharpsburg Family Worship Center for their “Give a Gift Program.”
​
Live Music Fundraisers
We have organized several live music fundraisers over the years to benefit the community. In October 2020 we held the Concert for Our Community, a virtual live concert to raise funds for our various charities as well as Second Harvest Thrift Store. In July 2022 we held the "Allegheny River Jam" with five local bands that raised funds for the Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall.
