Optimists had heck of a 50th anniversary dinner

FROM MY FRONT PORCH

SAM HOUSTON

Sam Houston is the publisher of the Hood County News. He is also an actor, author, playwright, performer and entertainment producer/promoter.

This past week, I had the pleasure of joining some of my HCN co-workers as we attended the Optimist Club’s 50th anniversary fund raising dinner held at Le Bella Luna. Like so many other events, last year’s event did not take place because of COVID concerns, but this year it was full steam ahead and the Optimists put on quite an event. 

Tons of individuals within the community donated items for the auctions or purchased tables to attend. When the bidding started, some items went through the roof! A few sales numbers are still coming in, but when the smoke all clears, the Optimists will have raised over $145,000! 

The best part is all that money stays right here in Hood County, with almost $30,000 in scholarships being granted in the month of May alone! Importantly, the scholarships are open to all students of Hood County, including those who are home-schooled.

I am very proud to have been able to help support this great group and to see the powerful work they are performing. I appreciate the leadership of their President Randy Turner and salute all the Optimists for their efforts. They are another reason why Granbury is a special place to live. A job well done and a special thanks also to La Bella Lena for hosting the event in their beautiful facility.

During the Optimist dinner, Dr. Jeremy Glenn from Granbury ISD made a very moving and revealing speech where in part he addressed the problem of childhood hunger in Hood County. He explained how 50% of the students in Granbury ISD live below the poverty line and simply do not get enough to eat. 

When I heard him tell the story of the football coaches providing peanut butter sandwiches to kids who are hungry and who simply have nowhere else to turn to get something to eat, I glanced at some of my co-workers who were sitting at my table and said, “aren’t we better than this?” and I shook my head. 

My wife, who retired from teaching after 29 years at GISD, was sitting next to me and started telling stories of teachers bringing food for hungry students, paid for out of their out own pocket and echoing Dr Glenn’s thoughts. This is a problem that has existed for some time.

I applaud Dr. Glenn for making the effort to bring awareness to the issue, and his comments certainly had an impact on me and I am sure, many others.  

I also hang my head in shock and shame such a situation exists here in Hood County.  You have certainly inspired me and others. In the future, you will see coverage and stories by the Hood County News to shed more light on this problem and hopefully spur a call to action for the community to work together to find solutions. 

I applaud those food banks and pantries that are already working to help those in need. I have no illusion this is a problem that can be easily fixed, but it is a problem that should be at the top of the list to be addressed. We as a community are better than this. Anyone being hungry Is hard to accept, much less school kids.

Thought for the day: There is no mood elevating drug as effective as a sunny 72-degree, spring day!

Until next time..

sam@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 260