There are several ways the Optimist Club of Rolla raises
funds to support its activities for the youth of Rolla. One of these is
through the sale of candy at various businesses. There are currently eight
businesses participating in this activity. At or near the cash register,
you will find a large plastic container full of various flavored Frooties
and Tootsie Rolls. There is also a container to place your money.This
project was originated by Optimist James Wood (now deceased) many years ago.
Jim was a great believer in the Rolla Technical Institute and Rolla
Technical Center (RTI-RTC) and it was at his behest that the funds from the
sale of the candy go into a scholarship to that school. We currently give
RTI-RTC $2,000.00 each year. The candy sales do not generate even half that
amount so the Club makes up the difference from other sources such as
Christmas tree sales.
The following businesses are participating with us in this fundraising
activity: Pizza Inn, Dan Collier Insurance, Modern Barbershop, Lambiel
Jewelry, Bixler Printing, Dave’s Barbershop, Picture This, and the Rolla
Federal Credit Union.
So the next time you are in one of these places look for the canister and
donate freely. If you are a business owner/manager and would like to have
one of these candy canisters in your business, contact our project chairman,
Optimist Jerry Decker at (573) 364-5863.
