Submitted photo Optimist Club of New Ulm members pictured are, front row l-r, Melanie Griebel, Cindy Bode, Susan Fix, Terry Sveine, Michael Henle, Laurie Weier, Betty Uehling, Sandra Juni; back row l-r, Mark Griebel, Colin Hames, Tom Polich, Sheldon Rieke, Les Schultz, Ellie Sveine, Dick Seeboth, Tom Henderson.

NEW ULM — The Optimist Club of New Ulm, MN donated more than $106,000 to local youth activities, events and programs in the past year.

Some of the activities and programs funded include the Optimist Club of New Ulm’s Youth POWER group activities, Optimist-sponsored contests (essay, oratorical, music, arts, and golf), Honors recognition certificates for local students, Optimist scholarship program, Eagle Scout projects, New Ulm Public Library children’s programming, ECFE, local public and parochial schools (robotics, library purchases, technology upgrades, after prom parties, art equipment, CTE Center equipment and supplies, and various school activities and needs), United Way, IVY House, NUMAS Haus, Park and Recreation, National Night Out, Legion Halloween event, Adopt-a-Family, Christmas programs by Jaycees and Sertoma, Coats for Kids, and New Ulm food shelf.

The Optimist Club of New Ulm provided initial funding for a ninja obstacle course playground at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. The Optimist Club also has a Health and Wellness program that provides funds to families of children with significant health challenges.

The Optimist Club of New Ulm invests in community youth with proceeds from cheese curd sales and charitable gambling at Smiley’s Tavern.