Platteville Optimist Club

The Platteville Optimist Club welcomed children ages 6-13 to the annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest at the Platteville High School on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Participants were scored on their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Top finishers in each age and gender group have the opportunity to participate in the Southern Wisconsin (SWIS) District Contest on Saturday, April 25th in Sun Prairie. Congratulations to all of the participants and thank you to the Optimi

L-R: Optimist President Terri Ellis with First Grade Teachers Michelle Sasse, Christian Guida, Kura O'Driscoll, Kortnie Christen, Lauren Ganzer, and Sassy's Vacation Author Sue Kies First Grade Teachers from Westview Elementary accepted a $600 donation from the Platteville Optimists. The donation will be used to purchase Sassy's Vacation books for the first graders at Westview Elementary. The author of Sassy's Vacation is Sue Kies, who was also present at the check presenta

L-R: Optimist President Terri Ellis and Jim Nelson, CESA 3 Jim Nelson accepted a $500 donation on behalf of CESA 3 from the Platteville Optimists to support their 32st Annual Champion Games to be held May 8, 2026. Champion Games is a unique opportunity for students to compete in various track and field events, wheelchair races, and other fun activities such as a bouncy house, bungy jump, and a dunk tank. The event is hosted at the Boscobel High School Track and City of Bosc

L-R: Optimist President Terri Ellis with new member, Michael Walsh Michael Walsh was initiated and welcomed to the Platteville Optimist Club on March 6, 2026. Michael is originally from Cassville. After graduation, he spent 20 years serving in the Army and National Guard before returning to Southwest Wisconsin. He is currently the Executive Director of the Platteville Main Street Program and loves the work he does for the Platteville community. Welcome Michael, we're gla

Our first Joker Draw winner of 2026 is Wayne Wodarz! Wayne draw netted himself $285 just in time for Valentine's Day. Congratulations Wayne!

Platteville Optimist Club members sport their Optimist attire in celebration of Optimist Day, February 5, 2026 Optimism isn't just a feeling - it's a way of life. On Optimist Day, we celebrate the power of positive thinking and the small actions that can make a big difference. Join us in celebrating Optimist Day as we promote our year-round efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Thank you to Country Kitchen and staff who graciously serve us breakfast each Friday morning. We appreciate your friendly smiles and all that you do. Pictured on the left, Vice President Barb Stockhausen presents our server, Taylor with a Christmas card from our Club members. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Sheila Ruchti was inducted as a new member of the Platteville Optimist Club on December 5, 2025. Pictured above Optimist President Terri Ellis conducts the induction ceremony and welcomes Sheila to our Club as Sheila's sponsor Bob Hundhausen looks on. Sheila has already experienced working a cheese curd shift at the invitation of current members. Welcome Sheila!

Christmas for Kids-Southwest Wisconsin is bringing joy to children this holiday season. As  Jaqueline Varholik explained to our Optimist Club when she spoke to us in July, they believe every child deserves Christmas. They are working hard to help struggling families make that happen. Shown above, Optimist members, Mark Essex and his wife Karen and Kim Woodworth and his wife Barb volunteered at a recent Wrap Party. Another Wrap Party will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on S

For the third time in 2025, the Joker was drawn in the famous weekly "Joker Draw" at our Optimist meeting. Mark is shown here sporting...

Our annual banquet was held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Lutheran Church of Peace. President Bob Hundhausen was feeling under the...

Today we took our meeting on the road for a tour of the Huff Family Innovation Center in Sesquicentennial Hall on the UW-P campus.  Mason...

The Optimist Club worked with the Platteville Public Library to bring families and people of all ages together to enjoy a Community Bike...

The big winner is Dianne Jentz. Dianne Jentz, shown here sporting her brand new Optimist T-shirt, claims she has never had her ticket...

The Optimist Club Trailer has returned for the season! Optimist volunteers grilled and served hot dogs, cookies, and milk at the Annual...

L-R: Sponsor Troy Ruegsegger, Angie Runde, and Optimist Secretary Jerry Schewe Angie Runde is the newest Platteville Optimist Club...

L_R: Scott Onson, Daneen Berrnhardt, Optimist President Bob Hundhausen, and Kevin Bernhardt The Platteville Optimist Club is inducted...

L-R: Optimist President and Victoria's Sponsor Bob Hundhausen, Victoria Hundhausen, Amber Monroe, and Amber's Sponsor Chris Budden...

L-R: Lori Melby, Marcia Russell, Optimist Vice-President Terri Ellis (also Lori and Marcia's sponsor) The Platteville Optimist Club...