In Boise, the greatest thing about being an optimist is not football

The Boise Noon Optimist Club is well known for its football program. It's not as widely known that its members also provide a support system to the Mountain States Tumor Institute (MSTI) at St. Luke's Children's Hospital where they meet needs as requested by the nurses and social workers for the children being treated for life-threatening illnesses and their families. One such need is a summer picnic. In her thoughts about what the greatest thing about being an optimist is, Dyan Graybeal recalls her first MSTI picnic.

Sue Oliver, Dyan Graybeal and friends
Sue and Dyan were co-presidents
of the Boise Noon Optimist Club
Photo courtesy of Walt Callahan

The first day we had a picnic for St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital MSTI, the child life specialists, nurses and doctors had an opportunity to mingle and not serve and lead games. The Boise Noon Optimist Club was there to provide food and serve, lead games and crafts an d provide assistance. The families got to meet and greet, play and visit. It was heartwarming to us all. That was 2007 and we still do it today.

        ~Dyan Graybeal, Boise Noon Optimist Club