Hello Optimist friends, I am Cathy Hicks and I am running for a position on the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) Board of Directors. I am a former small business owner and have been responsible for day-to-day operations, strategic planning, budgeting, and profit & loss accountability.

I have been married to my husband Tim for 47 years. We met in college at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. We have one daughter, Erin. She is married to Jeff and has given us two wonderful granddaughters, Abigail 8, and Bridget 4. I have been active in Optimist Clubs since 1997 because, in addition to providing a needed service to my community, Optimist programs helped teach Erin, and now Abby and Bridget, how important it is to stay positive and to serve others. Tim has been my partner in optimism throughout my career.

I would be an asset to the OIF Board of Directors because as an Optimist Volunteer it is my job to work to the best of my ability. In every position that I have held, from Distinguished Optimist Club President to Outstanding Governor of a Distinguished District and Vice President of the West Coast Region, I have worked to make people aware of what the Optimist International Foundation offers clubs and districts. Using all of the special donation levels and programs, I encourage personal and club donations so that OIF can continue to do its vital work.

Most importantly, I inform clubs and their members of the opportunities that OIF has to give back through scholarship programs, grants, and disaster relief, among other things- That's where the impact is felt by our clubs and community.

We must explore ways to increase donations from those outside of our clubs. By demonstrating the community impact that we have, and focusing time and attention on contributions, we can bring new money to the table. It just takes effort, the effort that I am willing to give as a member of the Board of Directors for the Optimist International Foundation.