Local Re/Max Gateway broker Doris Leadbetter selected the Great Falls Optimist Club to be the recipient of a $250 charitable donation from the proceeds of her annual sale of White House Christmas ornaments. At a check presentation ceremony March 20, Leadbetter said she selected the Optimist Club "because it’s one of my favorite organizations. As a former Optimist and now a new member of this club, I appreciate the work the organization does for young people in the community. I also have fond memories of the time our son competed in an Optimist Club oratorical contest. It was a fabulous experience for him and us."
Leadbetter has sold White House Christmas ornaments every year since 1998, donating the proceeds to a different charity every year. One year she selected the firehouse; another year a local woman fighting skin cancer. Many years local youth athletic teams were the beneficiaries of her support. "It’s very satisfying to support local programs," she noted. "You can see the impact of your support. I plan to work with the Optimist Club to sell even more ornaments in 2008 so that I can increase the size of my donation. I know they’ve earmarked some very worthwhile programs to help in the months ahead."
Doris Leadbetter and Associates, Inc., on Colvin Run Road, will also be supporting the Great Falls Spring Festival, organized by the Optimist Club and scheduled for Sunday, May 4 from 11:30a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We have just come off a very successful fundraising campaign for the Nick Cafferky Special Needs Trust and are selecting the activities we will be supporting, such as Kidz Clubhouse, in the months ahead," said Club President Lisa Jackson.
The Great Falls Optimist Club is a child-centered non-profit organization that focuses on supporting, encouraging and challenging children to reach greater heights. A voluntary organization, the club is interested in welcoming new members and volunteers. Among the many annual family-oriented events sponsored or assisted by the club are the Spring Festival and Egg Hunt, the Fall Spooktacular at Halloween, and the Fourth of July celebration in Great Falls.