Platteville Optimist Club

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...

Bob, Maria and Lisa Schmitt with Optimist Mark Essex by new bench at Abing Field In February of 2024, Maria Schmitt spoke to our Optimist...

L-R: Doug Martin (Troy's sponsor), Troy Ruegsegger, Herb Cody and Bob Hundhausen (Herb's sponsor) Troy Ruegsegger and Herb Cody were...

The Platteville Optimist Club welcomed children ages 6-13 to the annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest at the Platteville High School...

Pictured L-R: Sponsor Dianne Jentz, Optimist President Bob Hundhausen and our newest member, Traci Wilkinson. Traci visited an Optimist...

L-R: Optimist Members Dianne Jentz, Tom Nall, and Kevin Haertzen Thanks to the Platteville Public Library for hosting the Community...