South Carolina District of Optimist International at a Glance
Governor Lola Cumbo
Interim Secretary- Treasurer Gail Hyatt
Governor- Elect Juliette Bennett
Lt. Governor Ashby Skinnell
Lt. Governor Jay Downs
Lt Governor Bobbei Ruswinckel
Immediate Past Governor Bonnie Sherbert
Past Governor Danny Grice
South Carolina District of Optimist International knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Back in 1919, our Non-Profit Organization realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why later on we ultimately decided to launch South Carolina District of Optimist International.
What We Do
Making A Difference!
Furthering our cause is the most important goal of our organization. We seek to support, empower, and provide high quality resources to our community in a safe and secure environment. Our success isn’t measured in terms of wealth or profit margin, but by the value we provide to those we serve.
Essay Contest
2020-2021 Topic
" Reaching Your Dreams By Choosing Optimism "
Scholarships for Youth
The ESSAY Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live.
The approach can encompass a young person's personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the to win a college scholarship!
One District Scholarship of $2,500
Oratorical Contest
"Healing the World with Optimism"
Topic for 2020-2021
Beginning in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program of Optimist International. The contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking and provide them the opportunity to compete for multiple college scholarships with a pre-assigned topic.
District Scholarships:
1st Place $2,500 2nd Place $1,500
3rd place $1,000
with a chance to win up to $22,500 at the World Championships level
Homeless Outreach
Helping The Community
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today.
Optimist International Foundation Celebrating 50 Years
Helping Optimist Help Kids
Seeking, receiving and managing funds
and real personal property for the benefit of Optimist International and its Member Clubs in its charitable, literary and educational activities.
Professional Development Program
A way to help members develop professionally.
With this initiative, our goal is to promote great opportunities for those in need of development. With access to the right resources, members can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to acquire their true potential. With these skill members can build and enhance their Club, District and Optimist International.

“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope”
Moving Forward.....
Martin Luther King Jr.
Upcoming Events
- Sat, May 08Saint Andrews Road
- Fri, Aug 27Rock Hill
- Sat, Feb 13North Augusta
Contact South Carolina District of Optimist International
P. O.. Box 440, Blythewood, SC 29016
267-994-3429
Programs
Collaborative & Innovative

Community Development
Tackling the Issue
We see every challenge as an opportunity, and this initiative helps us ensure that our partners are better prepared to manage the unique situations they find themselves in. We are invested in an innovative approach that empowers our community and delivers the support they need, when they need it.
Support Services
Making a Difference
Through our Support Services, we have the potential to make a real and positive change in the community. This is one of our key areas of focus here at South Carolina District of Optimist International, and a source of much success for our Non-Profit Organization. Get in touch with us today and see how you can lend a helping hand with this program.


Education & Outreach
Doing What’s Needed
Most of our efforts pertaining to this program involve studying new approaches and developing innovative ways to implement them. We evaluate our success in this field by gathering qualitative and quantitative data, and using that information to measure shifts and changes from our baseline measurements.
Get Involved
We are so happy you’re interested in getting involved with our work here at South Carolina District of Optimist International. There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our Non-Profit Organization and help to strengthen our operations.

Make a Donation
Show Your Support
Partner with Us
Have an Impact


Volunteer Your Time
Help Us Soar
Our Story
Behind the Scenes
Here at South Carolina District of Optimist International, we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources in order to further achieve our cause. Since 1919, we’ve been supporting our community members in a variety of ways and measuring our success not by monetary size, but by more qualitative measurements such as the scale and effectiveness of our efforts. Just imagine what we can achieve together!