Join the Paso Robles and Atascadero clubs on Nov. 23 to support local youth activities and scholarships

NORTH COUNTY — On Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m., the Optimist Clubs of Paso Robles and Atascadero will be presenting the 2nd Annual Optimist Festival of Trees at the Atascadero Lake Pavilion in Atascadero. 

At the Optimist Festival of Trees, there will be a selection of 40-45 uniquely decorated, 4-foot Artificial Christmas Trees that are raffled off to a lucky raffle ticket holder. Each Raffle includes a fully decorated Christmas Tree and at least $300 worth of gifts and services donated by local merchants, businesses, and individuals. There is also a larger Bonus Christmas Tree raffle that includes many more gifts and presents for the lucky winner to take home. 

Guests will have approximately two hours to view the trees, place their tickets in the raffle box for the tree they want to win, and enjoy the festivities before and after a delicious holiday meal. Raffle tickets will be sold as a sheet of 25 tickets,plus one Bonus ticket for $20 each. There is no limit on the number of raffle tickets you can purchase. Payment by checks, credit cards and cash will be accepted. All trees must leave with the winners at the end of the evening. 

Included with the $75 tax-deductible entry ticket will be access to the event and a meal provided by Steins Catering. Beer, wine and Champagne will also be available for purchase. There will be several other raffles to make the evening more interesting, door prizes, music, and perhaps even a visit from Santa Claus himself.

The Optimist Clubs of Paso Robles and Atascadero are the local chapters of Optimist International, a service organization started in 1919 that is dedicated to improving the lives of youth in the community. The clubs provide scholarships to high school seniors, supports all types of youth activities, holds a Free Kid’s Fishing Derby twice a year, and donatesbackpacks for CPS kids in San Luis Obispo County.

If anyone is interested in participating or helping with this or other events sponsored by the clubs, or wishes more information on joining the clubs, please contact Chuck Sawyer at (805) 591-9590 or Linda Stermer at (805) 238-2410. The Paso Robles Club holds dinner meetings on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. Locations are variable. The Atascadero Club holds meetings the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Outlaws Bar and Grill.

Tickets are available by calling Iddy at (805) 469-5609, Chuck Sawyer at (805) 591-9590, or contacting any Optimist Club member. Tickets and additional information are also available at eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-optimist-festival-of-trees-tickets-1017035359137?aff=ebdssbdestsearch