Friend of Youth
Friends of the Lodi Optimist Club is dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids"
by fulfilling needs of the young people in the community through service projects.
Who We Are
The Lodi Optimist Club was Charted on January 19, 1967. Eight charter members including: Paul Dalton, Ted Goeres, James Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, Roger Loff, Glen Richards, Donald Ryan, and Richard Schmidt started the Lodi Club. Today we have grown to over 50 members dedicated in enriching the youth of the Lodi community.
In 2026 the Lodi Optimist Club board officially formed the “Friends of the Lodi Optimist Club” to further enrich the youth of our community forming a 501(c)(3) EIN: 42-4410624
Initial Officers of the Friends of the Lodi Optimist Club included:
Bryan Schultz - President
John Tippery - Secretary
Brenda Ayers - Treasurer
Along with Directors
Al Budde
Curt Hossman
Bill Haupt
Laura Schaap
Marv Van Kekerix
Kris Poelma
Mission, Vision & Purposes
Mission: By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
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.