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Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc.

North Carolina Optimists

Optimist Cottage In 1968 the Optimist Cottage (the last of the boys cottages) was dedicated on the Lake Waccamaw Campus of Boys Homes of North Carolina, Inc. From the beginning of their association, the Optimists of North Carolina have been strong supporters of Boys and Girls Homes through the cottages that bears the OPTIMIST name. The Optimists of North Carolina make individual member and club visits with the boys in the Optimist Cottage. They make personal and club contributions, and take part in refurbishing and replacing items for the cottage when needed. Optimists also enjoy visiting with the boys of the cottage on occasional off campus trips.

It is essential for Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina to make significant increases in endowment income until one day, endowment earnings will meet a major portion of the annual operating budget requirement. The North Carolina Past-Governors of Optimist International recognized this need and in 1981 endorsed the concept of raising $1,000,000 to endow the Optimist Cottage. (At the Optimist West District Convention August 2-3, 2002, the NC Optimist Boys and Girls Homes Optimist Endowment goal of $1,000,000 was attained! This is an incredible feat!) That fund is currently sponsored for endowment purposes. Individual and club gifts may be so designated. The 5 x 12 annual pledge has been a major factor in progress toward the goal of the endowment.

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself -

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Optimist International

Optimist Board Representatives

Walt Armentrout 910-791-1436

Dr. J.C. Boone 704-982-0360

Sandy Cyphers 910-367-3295

Clement Hahn 828-684-6110

Ron Jones 910-295-1819

Rufus Lloyd 910-862-2183

John "Red" Painter 704-825-2619

Nancy Phillips 910-645-4759

H.B. Stroup 828-645-5371

Bill Teague 828-683-3752

Opportunities for Giving

The 5 x 12 Club The 5 x 12 Club is a unique club that any Optimist may join by simply pledging and contributing $5 per month during a fiscal year to the Endowment Fund and Boys & Girls Homes. The Pledge may be paid monthly or all at once. Upon completion of the pledge, the individual will receive a "5 x 12 Paid" button to wear at Optimist functions. Paid 5 x 12's may be credited to an individual's club for award purposes.

Climbing the Next Mountain Optimist Awards

Gift Summary

Click here to view a summary of financial support

Thanks Optimists for the new van! Pictured is the Optimist van recently put into service for the children, helping assure their transportation needs are met. Boys and Girls Homes appreciates the support of all Optimists to make sure the needs of the children are met. (Oct. 8, 2007)

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PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450

Phone (910) 646-3083 Fax (910) 646-4934

Webmaster - Larry Hewett