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The Passaic Optimist Club holds a number of events throughout the year to celebrate the achievements of young people and honor those who serve them and the wider community. The funds raised through these events go toward the scholarships we award each year that help youth attain their dreams of college and the greater opportunities higher education offers, and to supporting athletic programs and civic organizations that support youth.

We also hold events that simply bring the power of optimism into the community, such as: our Hot Dog Night, which honors the players of both the Passaic and Clifton High School football teams; our annual Essay Contest; and Youth Appreciation, Community Service and Beefsteak awards dinners.

The Passaic Optimist Foundation is pleased to announce that it has approved 58 scholarships totaling $77,000 for college bound 2023 Passaic High School graduates! Special thanks to the Nicholas Martini Foundation for funding 15 of these scholarships. The 2023 awards also include eight 4-year Harold Ferguson renewable scholarships, two Hank Opalka renewable scholarships, the Jennie Ciuppa Scholarship, three Steve Cerdan memorial scholarships, three Gerard Arellano memorial scholarships, two Kenneth Lucianin, Sr. scholarships, and 23 general scholarships. None of these awards would be possible without the generosity of many friends and supporters of the Passaic Optimist Club.

We hold our regular monthly meetings on Thursdays at various local restaurants beginning at 7:00 p.m., September through June. First-time visitors are welcome. With optimism also comes reverie and camaraderie.

The Foundation’s and Club’s annual tax returns are on file with the Internal Revenue Service. You may request a copy of the tax filings by sending a message through the “Contact” tab above.

Our Signature Events

Annual ``Person of the Year`` Dinner/Tricky Tray Fundraiser

A GREAT evening of celebration, food and drink, music and dance to recognize a member of the Passaic community who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the youth of Passaic! Those who dedicate themselves to education open invaluable doors for youth. Each year at our Scholarship Dinner we honor our Person of the Year, someone in education or who supports education or who is dedicated to community service and has made a difference in the lives of young people, all while demonstrating an optimistic attitude. The 2019 Person of the Year was Graciella ‘Shirley’ Romero, Assistant Principal at PHS and the 2022 recipient was Tammy Cooper, PHS English Teacher and in 2023 Germaine Gibson-Williams was our recipient. This year we are honoring Guillermo Garica who is the Director of the Cuellar Family Shop-Rite of Passaic. This celebration will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025 at The Brownstone, 351 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ. Ticket donation $150.00.

Awarding Scholarships

The Club formed a 501(C)(3) Foundation in 2011 which oversees the Club’s general scholarships, as well as the Hank Opalka, Harold Ferguson, Jennie Ciuppa, Steve Cerdan and Gerald Arellano Memorial Scholarships. During calendar year 2024, the Foundation has awarded more than $95,000 in initial and renewal scholarships to deserving and motivated Passaic High School graduates. This level of support simply would not be possible without your generosity!

Youth Appreciation Dinner

An annual awards dinner to recognize youth in the City who demonstrate leadership in their civic and religious organizations.

Youth in Government Day

An annual event sponsored by our Club and the City of Passaic where students “shadow” City government workers for a day. Our Youth in Government Day enables more than 50 students from Passaic High School to spend a half-day embedded in the Passaic government administration to learn how government operates. Students are paired with members of the city’s mayor’s office or other government department or city Board of Education, based on their potential career interests. The day begins with a meeting with the Mayor in the City Council Chambers, followed by several hours shadowing their mentor for the day, and then a celebratory luncheon with guest speaker.

Community Service Awards

An annual awards dinner to honor and recognize Passaic Officers, Firefighters and other members of other Passaic civic organizations who make significant contributions to making Passaic a safer and better place to live and learn. This year’s Community Service Awards will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ.
This year’s Passaic Optimist President’s Award recipient is Jerry Gallagher, a committed member of our executive board who has played in an instrumental role in the success of our organization for many years.

Meeting Schedule

2023-2024 Meeting Schedule and Events

Friday, Sept. 13, 2024

Ken Lucianin, Sr. Beefsteak Dinner

Athenia Veteran’s Post

147 Huron Ave., Clifton, NJ

6:30 pm

Thurs., Sept. 19, 2024

Welcome Back! LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024

General Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., Oct. 24, 2024

New Members “Meet-n-Greet”

http://theoakleykitchen.com/

The Oakley Kitchen, Nutley, NJ

4:00-7:00 pm

Thurs., Nov. 14, 2024

General LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., Dec. 5, 2024

General LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

December 14-15 and

December 21-22 2024

Line of Coins/Bag for Bucks—ShopRite, Passaic, NJ

(Link forthcoming via text and email)

See link to sign up and choose time.

Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025

General LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., Jan. 30, 2025

General LIVE meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

Person of the Year Dinner

The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ

7:00 pm

Thurs., March 13, 2025

General LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., April 10, 2025

General Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com

7:00 pm

Thurs., May 1, 2025

Youth Appreciation Awards Ceremony Dinner

Garden Vista Ballroom, Passaic, NJ

7:00 pm

Thurs., May 15, 2025

Community Service Awards Dinner

The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ

7:00 pm

Wed., June 4, 2025

Foundation Trustees Scholarship Awards Dinner Meeting–TBD

7:00 pm

Thurs., June 5, 2025 (TENTATIVE)

Youth in Government Day Luncheon

Garden Vista Ballroom, Passaic, NJ

12:30 pm

Thurs., June 12, 2025

General LIVE Meeting

theoakleykitchen.com/

7:00 pm

Mon., June 23, 2025

27th Annual Optimist Golf Outing Fundraiser

Black Bear Golf Club

138 Rt. 23 N., Franklin, NJ

11:00 check-in

TBD

Club Picnic-TBD

TBD

Club News

2024 Optimist Scholarships

2024 Passaic Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Recipients

City Of Passaic Recognizes Passaic Optimist Club’s Dr. Joseph Buga

The Mayor and Council of the City of Passaic recently named the public plaza at 665 Main Avenue as the Dr. Joseph Buga Parque in recognition of his contributions to the civic life of Passaic and its residents. Joe was born and raised in Passaic’s eastside, and began his community […]