MUNCIE, Ind. (NewsLink Indiana) — On Thursday, the Muncie Optimist Club held their annual Free Fall Break Skate at the Gibson Arena.
The club pays for attendees' entry fee, so that families only need to pay for their skate rentals. Optimist Club and Gibson Arena come together each year to host an upbeat evening skate.
"The Muncie Optimist Club reached out to us approximately four to five years ago asking to sponsor an event that would allow families that stay-cation for fall break and spring break to have something to go and do at a reduced cost,” Jennifer Sheridan, Co-Owner of Gibson Arena, said.
The main value of the club is to spread an optimistic attitude to those in need. The branch of the International Optimist Club first came to Muncie in May 1928. The nonprofit’s mission is to help youth in need and spread positivity to the youth in the community. By working with local businesses, the club is able to host events that provide engagement for children.
“[Gibson Arena] has been around for over 80 years and our business has always dealt with kids in the community, so we were a natural partner for them,” Sheridan said.
The goal is to empower young members through projects like volunteer work, service projects, programs, and activities. They spread their message by participating in more serious causes, like food kitchens, but also light-hearted events, like tonight's skate event.
“The [Muncie] Optimist Club likes to provide some opportunities for children in our neighborhood," Sheridan said. "They also have an annual fishing derby that is free of cost.”
For more information, you can visit the Muncie Optimist Club's Facebook page here.
Contact Brooke Follrad with comments at Brooke.Follrad@bsu.edu
