Heartland Community Foundation
After nearly six decades of service to local youth, the Hays Optimist Club is disbanding — but their commitment to the community will live on through a newly established fund at the Heartland Community Foundation.
The Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund, a field-of-interest endowed fund, will carry forward the club’s mission to support the well-being, growth, and development of all youth in Ellis County.
“As hard as it is to close this chapter, we are incredibly proud of what this club has accomplished,” said Nathan Legleiter, club treasurer. “This fund is our way of saying thank you to the community that supported us all these years — and making sure our impact continues, long after the tree lot closes for the last time.”
The fund will make annual designated grants to three longtime Optimist-supported organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ellis County, the Hays Arts Council, and Ellis County 4-H.
Remaining funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process each year for projects that benefit youth or are led by kids and teens. The grant committee will be led by the Ellis County Youth Action Council, with guidance from Heartland staff.
Local organizations will be able to apply for a grant from the fund in 2026. The amount available to grant will grow over time as the balance of the fund grows with continued donations and investment.
Throughout its long history, the Hays Optimist Club raised thousands of dollars through its annual Christmas tree lot and other fundraisers, supporting hundreds of youth-focused initiatives — from sponsoring the Ellis County Creative Writing Awards each year to helping fund the Optimist playground at Seven Hills Park, and contributing $10,000 to the ARC Park addition.
“This fund is a beautiful example of turning the end of one era into the beginning of something lasting,” said Sarah Meitner, executive director of Heartland Community Foundation. “It captures the essence of the Optimist mission — believing in youth, investing in them, and creating opportunities for them to grow.”
The endowed fund will be held and managed by the Heartland Community Foundation, ensuring that gifts made today — or as part of future estate plans — will continue to support Ellis County youth for generations to come.
To contribute to the Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund, or learn more, visit Hays Optimist Friends of Youth Fund at https://gscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=9811&sorg_id=1039.