Optimists plan club for dads, daughters

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 18, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- An Optimist International officer is working to organize a "daughters and dads" Optimist Club.

Rick Rutan, who is lieutenant governor of Optimist clubs in south Pinellas County, said the new club would offer a chance for interaction between fathers and daughters and provide a chance to work with children in such settings as schools and the Ronald McDonald House.

Daughters should be at least 18 years old, Rutan said. But he said younger girls could participate as associates, and that their presence could lead to formation of a junior club.

The club needs 25 members to be chartered. It probably would meet once a week at a restaurant, and Rutan hopes to have an initial meeting by late this month or in early July.

For information, call Rutan at 522-6143, or send email to rjrutan@aol.com.

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