About Optimist Festival of Trees
More Than a Club
Caring Since 1952
The Optimist Festival of Trees was started in 1952 by the wives, mothers, and sisters of men who were members of Optimist Clubs in their communities. At that time, women were not accepted into the Optimist Organization, so they formed their own groups. and called themselves the Opti-Mrs.
In 1987, Optimist International changed its By-laws and started to accept women in the once dominated male organizations, and the women who were Opti-Mrs., now became members of Optimist clubs, but maintained their membership in their Opti-Mrs clubs until the clubs were disbanded.
Now, 73 years later, the Optimist Festival of Trees is still going strong thanks to the Optimist Festival Tree Committee, volunteers, and the patrons who support us by attending our yearly event.
- Origin: The first event was held in 1952.
- Beneficiary: Optimist Clubs in Pacific Southeast & Pacific Southwest districts of Optimist International and hospitals that participate in children's cancer programs.
- Activities: The event typically includes the display and auction of decorated Christmas trees sponsored by clubs and businesses.
- Location: Hilton Hotel, 168 S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101.
- Purpose: Raising funds to support the youth projects in both districts and also aid children's cancer programs.
Optimist Festival of Trees - Executive Officers
Dee Gadbury
President
Shellie Van Winkle
Treasurer
Bernadette Friedman,
Secretary
Optimist Festival of Trees - Directors
Eliot Golomb
Nancy Herman
Valerie Lehman
Linda McWeeney
Terry McWeeney
Claudette Messiha
Carol Morack
Cheryl Ayers
Linnie Murphy
Mike Padilla
Mary Padilla
Mary G. Russell
Carolyn Seivers
Gayle Weigert
Lenna Welling
Susan Wong
Contact
optimistfot1952@gmail.com
Pasadena Hilton
168 S. Los Robles Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101
Dates & Hours
Saturday, December 7th
Hours: 10am - 4pm