Programs and Events
Supported Partner Organizations
Annual Programs
Oratorical Contest
The Optimist International (OI) Club Oratorical Contest is the largest oratorical contest in the U.S.
Started in 1928 and longest running program in OI, more than 2,000 clubs participate with more than $150,000 funded by OI and at least double that by the clubs themselves.
Winners at the Club level receive medallions plus a cash award. Zone winners receive a plaque and certificate. Districts have the opportunity to provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
Regional and World Contest Scholarships are awarded to each Regional winner in United States in the amount of at least $5000.In addition, scholarships in the amounts of $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 will be given to the first, second, and third place World Champions, respectively.
The Zionsville Optimist Club Oratorical Contest is usually held in March and winners advance to the Zone Level.
3rd Grade History Program
The Zionsville 3rd grade history lessons are taught by a cadre of volunteer parents and grandparents. Each volunteer attends a monthly training and spends 45 minutes in class each month with hands on lessons about Zionsville history. Real artifacts from the Sullivan Munce Cultural Center collection supplement the history lessons.
The year-long study culminates with a walking tour of downtown Zionsville and visit to Sullivan Munce. Each student receives a lanyard with laminated history cards so they can become tour guides for their own family members as well. The Zionsville Optimist Club has supported this program financially and with volunteers for over 22 years!
Annual Hit-the-Bricks 5K Race and 3K Fun Run & Walk
The ZOC (Zionsville Optimist Club) will hold our 43rd annual 2025 “HIT-THE-BRICKS” 5K Race +3K Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, September 27. The 5K start is 8:05 AM and 3K at 8:10 AM. Our Start/Finish is at Zionsville’s Town Hall, 1100 W Oak Street.
HTB (HIT-THE-BRICKS) is truly a tradition in Zionsville and the Optimist Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. We have given over $430,000 of support to our local youth since our club began in 1981.
OUR 2024 SPOTLIGHT BENEFICIARY
In 2022 we established our first “Spotlight Beneficiary” which was the Zionsville Parks & Recreation Department. It was a time in sync with the major expansion of Overley-Worman Park to which we sponsored a ADA water and bicycle repair stations and bicycle racks.
In 2023 the Spotlight Beneficiary was the Children’s Home in Lebanon, a 100+ year old institution providing hope to kids and turning lives around from broken homes.
Last year’s 2024 Spotlight Beneficiary is Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center, est. in 2010 and also in Lebanon that works for placement of children who are victims of abuse, neglect and maltreatment.
While the Spotlight Beneficiary is highlighted and given a generous contribution, it receives a minor portion of our total annual giving.
5K & 3K ROUTES (See Map)
The 5K is a timed event. Both courses start at Town Hall and run the Rail Trail, downtown through the Village on Main Street and back to the Town Hall for the Finish. The section on Zionsville’s historic cobblestone Main Street derived our “Hit-the-Bricks” title of the first event in 1982. At HIT-THE- BRICKS, there are serious contenders as well as casual runners, walkers, strollers, dogs and families out on a beautiful autumn morning.
Prizes are given to the overall 1st-3rd place finishers in the 5K as well as first place in several age categories in that event. In addition, HIT-THE BRICKS is known for its popular raffle afterward with discount coupons from local merchants, prizes galore and a fun fun time.