Manitowoc Sunrise Optimist Club

09/26/2025

The following members presented donation checks to the following charities: Darlene Wotachek to InCourage, Sara Klusmeyer to Salvation Army, Patti Hoffmann to Hope House, Hope Boudnik and Patti Hoffmann to the YMCA and Grow it Forward. We are thankful to have these organizations in our community and blessed to have played a part in serving the needs of community through them. The Sunrise Optimist Club will no longer be a service club entity but we will continue to show up and support this fine community in whatever way we can.

09/25/2025

Presentation of check to Karin Adams by Sunrise Optimist member Amy Eisenschink to be utilized by Friends of the Manitowoc Public Library.

09/23/2025

Posted by member Deb Knox...Thank you to all who supported the Manitowoc Sunrise Optimists over the years. Whether you supported our brat fries, rummage sales or bought football sweepstakes tickets, we appreciate your help. All proceeds went to local organizations that support youth. Sadly we disbanded our club because our numbers were dwindling and we couldn’t keep up the projects we had been doing.
We disbursed the money we had to the YMCA, Grow it Forward, Incourage, Hope House, Manitowoc Public Library, Salvation Army and Boys and Girls Club.
Here I am presenting a check to the Boys and Girls Club. It is so great to have it in Manitowoc.

07/15/2025

Sunrise Optimist Club is once again selling the fund crazr sweepstakes tickets for the 2025 NFL football season games.
Tickets are $20 each. Each week you could win from $20 to $400. Prizes paid weekly.
On your ticket you will see 3 randomly assigned teams each week as in the picture. If your 3 teams score the most or least points in a week you win. It doesn’t matter if your team wins or loses. Checks will be sent to you directly, no need for you to do anything except purchase the ticket!
LET ME KNOW HOW MANY TICKETS YOU WANT AND I WILL GET THEM TO YOU.

06/05/2025

Thank you to the Sunrise Optimist Club for their generous $500 gift to support the YMCA’s After School Care food program—given in loving memory of Gary Bents. This donation helps us nourish growing minds and bodies, and we’re honored to carry forward Gary’s legacy of giving back to the community and “bringing out the best in kids.”

05/16/2025

Manitowoc Piggy Wiggly. Come on down!

04/19/2025

The Easter Eggstravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo was another successful event. We distributed nearly 300 goody bags to the children who came to see the Easter Bunny and view all the new happenings at the zoo.

04/18/2025

Strengthening communities one connection at a time is at the heart of what Optimist volunteers do. By fostering relationships and encouraging collaboration among residents, they create a vibrant network of support and engagement. Each interaction, whether through organized events, mentorship programs, or simple acts of kindness, builds a foundation of trust and unity. Optimist volunteers empower individuals to share their unique talents and stories, inspiring others to contribute and participate. This not only enhances the quality of life for everyone involved but also instills a sense of belonging and pride within the community. Together, they envision a brighter future, where every connection has the potential to spark positive change and uplift those around them.

To become an Optimist volunteer, visit https://www.optimist.org/join.cfm

03/10/2025

Last month our club sponsored the InCourage Domestic Chef fundraising event. Hope Boudnik and Patti Hoffmann were privy to attend the event on March 8 which took place at the newly remodeled Inn on Maritime Bay. There we enjoyed the cash bar, Silent Auction and dined on chef prepared appetizers, dinner tidbits and desserts. We witnessed an outpouring of giving at a Live Auction and listened to live music by The Jukebox Road Dogs and singer Amirah Franzen. Our optimist logo was proudly featured in the event program and we sat at a table with fellow optimists, Greg and Judy Goodchild.

02/08/2025

Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I send this sad news of the passing of our own dear Sunrise Optimist member, Gary Bents, who left us on February 5th. Our club last met on the 5th and Gary wasn't in attendance, which seemed odd and out of character as he was one to notify us of his absence. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

A visitation will be held at First Lutheran Church, Manitowoc, on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 1-3 pm with a service immediately following.

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter obituaries and death notices. Remembering the lives of those we've lost.