About Us
Mission, Vision & Purposes

Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.

Vision: Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.

Purposes: To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

Friend of Youth

Among the many things the Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club does, one that we especially are involved in is the Melaina’s Magical Playground project–a project to build a playground that is fully-accessible to all children. The Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club is a Diamond Sponsor of this endeavor.

From the MagicalPlayland.org website:
“Melaina Cunningham and Friends Park Fund, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2009 with a goal of building an all-inclusive and fully-accessible playground in Cape Girardeau County. This area and its surrounding counties is home to many children and adults with disabilities, and currently there is no public playground that accommodates for these special needs within nearly 100 miles. Children and adults with disabilities need to play, socialize, and engage in physical activity just like anyone else. A common misconception of this playground, however, is that it is only for those with special needs. In fact, Melaina’s Magical Playland would be a place where people of all abilities are encouraged to play and interact together side by side. The playground would include integrated activities for all ages and ability levels. Simply put, this is a playground for EVERYONE!!”

http://www.magicalplayland.org