LILLIAN — Members of the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay recently honored several members of the community for their contributions to the club in their efforts to raise money to "Bring Out the Best in Kids".

These are the sponsors of various projects throughout the year, but especially for their support of the Mullet Festival on Labor Day.

Those presented with certificates of appreciation were Cliff and Mary Collier, The Car Barn; President and CEO Jackie & Sally Greer, District Manager Howard Harper and Store Manager Jon Spurlock, Cash Saver, Pensacola; Doug Abercrombie and Becky Pangallo, Coastal Realty; Dr. Amy Paszkowski, Elberta Animal Hospital; Dr. Susan Wells, Lillian Veterinary Hospital; Gene and Emma Fell; John Horner; Sonny and Gail Keigley; Daniel Randall and Mike and Lois Russell.

All funds raised at fundraising events support programs and projects. Last November more than $9,000 was given to 24 local charities and an additional $1,800 to Optimist International (OI) programs. During the year other donations have been made to boys and girls for special projects. Scholarships of $1,000 were given to six graduating seniors from the Lillian/Elberta area.

Throughout the year special events are scheduled for children including Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, Fishing Rodeo, lunch for third grade students at Elberta Elementary School after their testing and a trip to Weeks Bay for the pitcher plant program.

The Optimist Club of Perdido Bay meets at 8 a.m. for breakfast every Saturday in the Lillian Community Club. However, this year they will not meet on Independence Day so members can enjoy other activities in the community. Visitors are always welcome.