CNO 2.0 Venue and Details
Tonight’s meeting was held at Bock Family Brewing, located at 8150 Washington Village Dr, Centerville. Thank you to the team at Bock’s for providing the food, space and beverages.
Announcements
CNO Donation Update
Greg Fay noted that the club has approved over $21,000 in donations over the past six months, all supporting kid-focused programs and causes in the community.
Safety on Wheels
Greg Fay announced, on behalf of Steve Mays, that Steve is looking for volunteers for Safety on Wheels on Sunday, May 17 at Forest Field Park. The kids bring their bikes and scooters out for an afternoon of fun. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Kentucky Derby Party
Connie Risch announced that the Kentucky Derby Party will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. For details and to register, visit the Member Calendar.
Got Talent Contest
Greg Fay, on behalf of Erin Laurito, announced that the Centerville-Washington Township Got Talent Finale will feature the top 10 acts at Centerville High School’s Central Theater on May 6, starting at 6:30 PM. Details are on the Member Calendar.
Americana Booth T-Shirts
Connie Risch announced, on behalf of Karen Charnesky, Chair of the Americana Booth, that this year’s booth will focus on recruiting new members. Members can purchase a CNO Americana T-shirt that reads “Be a part of something bigger, be an Optimist,” with a QR code on the back for prospective members to scan. Shirts are $22, ladies’ sizes are cut for ladies, and orders are open through Tuesday, 4/28 only. No extras will be ordered, and samples are available to try on. Place your order using the Member Calendar.
Speaker: Gyurim Kim and Kits of Hope
Greg Fay introduced the evening’s speaker, Gyurim Kim, a Junior at Centerville High School and the founder of Kits of Hope. Since launching the initiative in her Sophomore year, Gyurim has distributed more than 250 hygiene kits and recently partnered with the national nonprofit Humanity First to grow its impact. She is also a published public health researcher, President of her school’s Humanity First student organization, and a top-10 international finalist in the HOSA Respiratory Therapy event.
How Kits of Hope Started
Gyurim shared that one in three children globally lack access to basic hygiene items, and that disasters leave children especially vulnerable. Growing up in a part of Korea where air pollution was a significant concern, she had access to the hygiene supplies she needed, but saw that many in her community did not. After moving to the Centerville area, she saw the same need among children here, and in her Sophomore year at Centerville High School, she turned a longstanding idea into action.
What’s in a Kit
Each kit assembled contains:
- Hand sanitizer
- A mask
- Tissues
- Wipes
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- A health education booklet
- Stickers, for decorating the box and/or for placing inside the kit
The kits are assembled for children in need and can also be used for women’s shelters.
National Expansion with Humanity First
Gyurim Kim also announced that Humanity First recently reached out and partnered with Kits of Hope on its disaster-relief program. Through that partnership, Humanity First Student Organization (HFSO) chapters at universities across the country, including Johns Hopkins and Dartmouth, will help fund additional kits and take the effort national.
The Activity
With 200 boxes on hand, the club jumped right in to assemble kits. Gyurim invited members to write short notes of encouragement to include in the kits, such as “you got this” or “you’re not alone,” as well as to share where they thought the finished kits should be donated.
Thank You
Thank you, Gyurim Kim, for sharing your story and for giving the club such a meaningful way to serve children in our community and beyond.
New Member Readings and Inductions
Melanie Adams, Third Reading, Sponsored by Jean Pummill