The Greater Lansing Optimist Club’s February meeting was a joyful celebration of the impact one man can make. The club presented Real Lansing FC, a local youth soccer organization, with a check for $1,700 to support one of the club’s teams. The money came from donations made in memory of Robert Franklin Sr., a long-time Optimist and past president of the Miller Road Optimist Club, who was known for promoting youth sports.
Four of Franklin’s children—Judy Franklin, Mike Franklin, Deb Holefka, and Cathy Dionise—shared stories of their father’s Optimism, especially his love for coaching and working with young people in south Lansing. He was well known at North Elementary School, which also happens to be the Greater Lansing club’s “adopted” school.
In a Facebook post, Judy shared:
“He was a member of the Miller Road Optimist Club for many years. While in the club, he wore many hats- secretary, treasurer, vice president, and eventually president. The Optimist Club is an establishment that works to create opportunities for the youth in their neighborhood. Our dad’s area was the Southside of Lansing. In the club he, along with other members, created sporting opportunities for the kids which included football, floor hockey, baseball, and basketball.
When our father passed in September of 2025, we created a fund that friends and family could donate in his name, to help support the Greater Lansing Optimist Club. The funds would be earmarked for youth sports.”
The Greater Lansing Optimist Club was overwhelmed at the many donations that poured in to celebrate Frankin’s life. After discussing many possible ways in which the money could be used with the greatest impact, club members decided to support Real Lansing FC, a newer non-profit organization that supports more than 200 children ages 9-15, many of whom are immigrants and refugees.
The soccer club has a two-fold mission: the first is helping children develop soccer skills, teamwork, focus, dedication, and a feeling of belonging. The second is boosting educational achievement. Partnering with the Lansing School District, the club offers tutoring and academic assistance through after-school programming that goes beyond the soccer field.
The Greater Lansing Optimist Club’s donation will help support a Real Lansing FC team with snacks, uniforms, equipment, and transportation to practices and games. Club members also plan to attend games this spring to cheer on players whose family members are often unable to attend games. Judy Franklin and her siblings said that helping Real Lansing FC is a wonderful way to continue their father’s Optimist legacy of developing young people through sports. “I know if he was alive today, he’d be right out there coaching soccer,” said Judy.
