Yuma Homefront Optimist Club

About us...our history

At Beginning... 2004

This effort was first started in June 2004, as Operation Homefront Yuma Chapter, by  Susie  Wintergerst, who has been driving back and forth from southern California to Yuma since 1998.

Susie, a Japanese native, and a mother of a Marine daughter, witnessed the difficulties the families face, especially when the loved ones are deployed, and started a "One woman Campaign" to appeal to the Yuma Community.  Soon,  she was joined by a few local supporters and Clear Channel Radio, which became the media partner In October 2004.

Become Optimist Club ...October 2005

In September 2005, Yuma Chapter choose to disassociate from Operation Homefront. The supporters felt that the effort should remain local and all the donated funds should be used to further the mission, instead of paying the royalty and administrative cost of the headquarters with donor's money.

With the help of The Yuma Optimist Club,  Yuma Homefront Optimist Club affiliated as a membership club in October 2005, to continue its mission.

Derek Gurney became the first Club President and hosts monthly Club meeting at his Outback Steakhouse Restaurant.  Derek's hard work is evident in widening  the connections to Yuma Air Station and the Yuma Community. 

2006 - 2007

Calvin K. Stewart  donated $10,000 to the mission and The Stewart Foundation was formed to aid club's finance. The military dependents benefited from our computer program - many school age children received their first own computers!

Accomplishment - listed by the number of cases we served

Fundraise events

Chow Down for Military

Golf Tournament

Bass Fishing Tournament

Acco