Billings, Montana – In the spirit of the holiday season, the Billings Breakfast Optimist Club has made a significant impact on the community through their annual Christmas tree sale, with a focus on supporting the youth of Billings.
A Tradition of Giving
For several weeks, the Billings Breakfast Optimist Club turned parts of the Magic City into a festive forest of firs, inviting locals to pick their perfect Christmas tree. This tradition, spanning several decades, is much more than just a festive activity. It embodies the club’s commitment to bringing joy and support to the community, especially to its younger members.
Mike Rowcliff, a member of the Board of Directors for the club, emphasized the current need for youth-centered support. “It’s clear that our community has never needed more youth-centered support than what we are seeing right now,” he said. He highlighted that many underserved youths in the community directly benefit from the funds raised by the club. “We feel like this really a mission of ours to provide financial and volunteer support to those organizations where we can,” Rowcliff added.
Beyond the Trees: Supporting Youth Programs
The Christmas tree sale stands as the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with all proceeds channeled towards aiding children in the Magic City. This assistance is manifested in various forms, including sponsoring clubs, programs, and offering several scholarship opportunities to Yellowstone County’s youth. The aim is to help these young individuals grow into their best selves, fostering a brighter future for the community.
While the Christmas tree sale for this year has wrapped up, the Billings Breakfast Optimist Club’s dedication to being “Friends of Youth” in the Magic City remains steadfast. They plan to continue hosting programs in Billings through the New Year and beyond, perpetuating their mission of support and positivity for local youth. This initiative reflects the true spirit of the holiday season – giving back and nurturing the potential in every child.
