Kalona Optimists
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6 pm at the LOFT in the Kalona YMCA, Kalona, Iowa.
Guests are welcome. Meal cost is $10.
About Us
The club was formed in February 1968.
The Optimist Club of Kalona currently has 56 members, including 17 Friends of Optimist members (businesses that support the club) and three charter members.
The Optimists believe in helping the youth of the Kalona area by giving them opportunities they may not have otherwise had.
Our Officers
President - Jon Eggert
Treasurer - Bob Miller
Secretary - Sheryl Miller
Board Members
One Year Term
Donna Merck
Deanna Poe
Larry Geno
Two Year Term
Dale Kraus
Roger Weber
Ken Wehr
Past President
Ron Slechta
OI Foundation Representative - Sheryl Miller
Our Mission
Our goal is to be a "Friend of the Youth." We spend our time learning about groups and organizations within our vicinity, raising money for youth organizations and sharing fellowship.
Planned 2025 club activities and fundraisers which help support the youth of our area:
Blood drive (January 6, 2025)
Valentines party (February 13, 2025)
Tenderloin meal (March 27, 2025, Kalona United Methodist Church)
Kalona Days (June)
Blood drive (July)
Family picnic (September 18, 2025)
Installation banquet (October 2, 2025)
Jack O’Lantern Jaunt (October, Kalona Historical Village)
Christmas party (December 18, 2025)
Christmas in Kalona (December)
Salvation Army bell ringers (December)
Student of the Month
Photo Contest
Concession stand at ballpark
Essay and Oratorical Contest
Community of Flags
Junior Golf Camp and tournament at Kalona Golf Course
Optimist International Foundation/Dime a Day/Childhood Cancer Campaign
Junior Optimist Club
Join Us!
If you would like to learn more about the Kalona Optimists, please join us on the first or third Thursday of the month at the Kalona YMCA at 6:00 pm. Guests are welcome. Meal cost is $10.