Optimists to Honor Local "Champions"

The Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores will recognize six citizens who have made a positive impact on the community May 8 at the annual Champions Banquet at the Blossom Heath Inn.

The Optimists define a champion as "someone who has talent, courage, and tenacity - a person who fights for or defends any person or cause," according to a release for the banquet which includes dinner, entertainment and an awards presentation to the Champions.

 Additionally there will be the presentation of $16,000 in scholarships to members of the class of 2013, and the winner of the first Youth Leadership Award.

“As Optimists, our purpose is to make a positive difference in the lives of our youth and in our community and that’s what our annual Champions Banquet celebrates,” states Champions co-chair Kathy Rayner, in a release.

According to the Optimists, Champions to be recognized include:

• Miss Michigan and former Miss St. Clair Shores Queen Angela Vendetti, whose platform has been to keep kids’ drug free.  She has partnered with CARE of Southeastern Michigan to help battle teenage drug abuse.
• Patricia and Raymond Blashill, will be recognized for their countless hours of service to those in need through their volunteerism with the MCREST Program, former Angel Food Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity providing homes and shelters for families.
• Danny Walker, Jr., owner of the Boat Works Bar & Grill has been selected as a champion for continuously giving back to the community. Mr. Walker has lent his own personal funds as well as organized a fundraiser which raised over $19,000 to help the families of the Lake Shore students devastated by the tragic car accident involving a drunken driver in Roseville in 2009. The funds he raised helped the families with funeral expenses.  He also continues to help needy families in the community during the holidays and sponsors fundraising nights for area schools to help with their projects. 
• For over four decades, Randy Pullin, has volunteered countless hours and has been very active with the Shorewood Kiwanis, the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and the SCS COPS for Kids program.  He was also instrumental in coordinating a program for mentoring youths in the 40th District court and has worked tirelessly with the Goodfellows to provide a Christmas for all children and families in the area. 
• Also being recognized this year is Vincent Marino for his valuable part in creating and implementing the Parkinson’s Kids Fun Run to increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease.  Marino, a former South Lake School Board member, is a tireless volunteer in the community.  Through his efforts he spearheaded the location of the Young Onset Parkinson’s Support Group and the annual Parkinson’s Walk-a-thon at South Lake Schools.  He has engaged the entire community to bring awareness of Parkinson disease and to help both the organization and individuals in the community grow in serving the needs of others.

Doors open for the Champions Banquet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, with a buffet dinner at 6:30 PM.  An auction/raffle will be held, with proceeds to benefit the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores scholarship awards program. Tickets are now available for $30, and can be purchased by contacting Molly Peterson (586) 771-5573, petersmk@bonaventure.edu  by April 30, 2013.

All are invited to join the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores in celebrating the accomplishments and successes of our St. Clair Shores youth, and citizens in service to the community.