The Michigan District Optimists is proud to announce the induction of two remarkable individuals into the 2024 Hall of Fame: Frank Fike and Wilma VanLoo. Their contributions to the community and dedication to the principles of Optimism are truly inspiring. In this post, we’ll take a quick look at their achievements and the impact they’ve made in their respective fields.
Frank Fike began his Optimist journey in 1967, and he is still going strong. Frank’s love for Optimism shows in his endless excitement and energy for the programs and activities of his home Club the Ann Arbor Breakfast Club. His desire to serve and to make a difference for others is evident in his many accomplishments.
During his 57 years as an Optimist (with more to come!), Frank has been Club president multiple times, Club Secretary 16 times & Club Foundation Rep. 7 times. He has also served the District as Lt. Governor, Finance Committee Chair and Chair of the Emergency Scouting Assistance Program. He has lent his sound advice and clear judgement as a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee and the Finance Committee. Franks time as an Optimist goes back farther than the records at Optimist International!
Wilma VanLoo is an Optimist and has been spreading that optimism through her service in local Clubs, Michigan District and Optimist International since January 2000 when she joined the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo (BOCK). Wilma was the BOCK Optimist of the Year in 2008. She was on the Board of Directors for BOCK from 2009- 2011. She was BOCK President for the 2011-2012 year where the club was an Honor Club and received 1st Place for the Michigan District Optimist Club Scrapbook. While President of BOCK, she was able to get the Club’s weekly meetings in the Kalamazoo Gazette and in the Women’s Life Style of Greater Kalamazoo Magazine. Wilma and the Secretary/Treasurer received OI President Citations. Wilma has maintained perfect attendance in BOCK for 20 years. For over eight years, Wilma co-chaired one of BOCK’s signature events, Back-to-School Shopping, for children of a local non-profit human services organization. This event empowers children and their families by allowing them to shop for brand new school clothes of their choosing and to be provided with grade level appropriate school supplies. BOCK continues this event today and it is a favorite for many members. Wilma was a builder of the Holland Optimist Club in 2014 and received Builder of Excellence recognition with a medallion and lapel pin. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Holland club and has been their Club Foundation Rep for the past 10 years.
Wilma also belonged to the Pennfield Optimist Club in Battle Creek from 2013- 2019 and the St. Petersburg Downtown Optimist Club from 2015-2023. Wilma continued her Optimist work with the Michigan District. Wilma served as Lt. Governor for Zone 6 for two terms from 2012-2014. She received the Outstanding Lt. Governor award in the 2012-2013 year, and she received the Distinguished Lt. Governor award during the 2013- 2014 year. Wilma has been on several District committees from 2015-2021 including New Club Building, Sales of OI products (Chair), First Timers, Guests/Spouses Activities at Conferences (Chair), and a Photographer at conferences and conventions. Most recently, Wilma served as the Assistant Governor for Region 2 with 6 Zones for Governor Dan Mills (a fellow BOCK member).
Wilma is a supporter of the Optimist International Foundation. She served on the Women’s Philanthropy Council for three years. She is a member of the President’s Club, Christian D. Larsen, a Distinguished Benefactor, Dime-a-Day, and supporter of Women’s Philanthropy Council. Wilma achieved Level 10 of the Personal Growth Involvement (PGI). This program made her a better volunteer through communication training, self-development modules and other personal growth activities. In 2013, Wilma was featured in the OI magazine as the Face of Optimism. She was asked her favorite tenet of the creed, and she stated #8: “To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.” This is still her favorite tenet today and when you meet Wilma you will see her infectious smile.
The induction of Frank Fike and Wilma VanLoo into the Michigan District Optimists Hall of Fame is a well-deserved tribute to their extraordinary contributions. Their legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of optimism and the importance of investing in our youth. Their dedication will continue to inspire Optimist members for years to come, ensuring that the organization’s mission of empowering children remains strong.
