By Sandy Cuttino
For the Apple Valley Review
On March 12, the Optimist Club of Apple Valley held their Sixth Annual Always Value Our Children (AVOC) Roast/Toast awards dinner. This event serves as the club’s primary fundraiser and was held at the Apple Valley Town Conference Center.
The evening program included honoring Rick Cambridge, retired owner of Conco Construction and retired Reserve Deputy Sheriff as their Friend Of Community and Chet Hitt, founder and CEO of Sunset Hills Children’s Foundation as their Friend of Youth.
Attendees enjoyed a prime rib dinner, catered by Las Brisas Restaurant and served by members of the club-sponsored Youth Partners; The Junior Mavericks; Young Marines; Boy Scout Troop 257; and Venture Crew 257.
As part of the evening festivities the club toasted Cambridge and roasted Hitt.
Funds raised by the Optimist Club are used to support numerous youth programs throughout the community, including sponsoring a Cub Scout Troop, Boy Scout Troop, Venture Crew, four Pony League Baseball teams, along with raising funds for Juvenile Diabetes, March of Dimes and Loma Linda Children’s Cancer Unit. Annual Essay and Oratorical competitions are held and students are recognized during Special Day Class Kids Quarterly Luncheons and an evening Youth Appreciation Dinner.
The club works closely with the Town of Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Department by sponsoring and conducting the annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Competition and the Eggstravaganza Easter Egg Hunt (held the Saturday before Easter). The club also recognizes local law enforcement at their annual Respect For Law Dinner and posts U. S. flags throughout the community on national holidays.
“We are truly thankful to all of our sponsors, attendees and Youth Partners for their gracious support," club President Sandy Cuttino said. "The motto of Optimist is ‘Bringing Out the Best in Kids.’ To this end we host many youth programs throughout the year and now have the funds available to continue and expand our offerings.
"As we strive to fulfill our motto, we also believe that working with kids 'Brings Out The Best In Us'.”
Those who wish to learn more about the Optimist Club or participate in the club’s various youth programs, contact a member of the Optimist Club of Apple Valley or e-mail Sandy Cuttino at cutnoeng@me.com.