Doyle Goldbolt serves as the secretary for the Optimist Club of Hammond. The club is a pursuit to empower and give back to the local youth. Last year marked a milestone for the club’s annual Smelt Fry, and the event successfully raised over $20,000 for the organization.
Godbolt knows how important it is to raise money for local charities. He always emphasizes the impact of the Optimist Club's yearly fundraiser in the community.
His dedication to providing financial support to school programs, youth organizations, and individuals in need showcases his commitment to the cause.
“Our club was built in 1937, and we are shooting closer to 90 years of service to the Lake County area of Northwest Indiana,” said Godbolt. “I have been raising money for children since 1992. The different sports programs I've been affiliated with and the years of service I've provided give me the experience needed to help guide our organization.”
Throughout Godbolt's 20+ years of involvement in the club, he has made a profound impact on the lives of children.
“This has been in a goal-driven club for over 20 years,” said Godbolt. ”The one quality that every member has is an understanding of our sole purpose: to raise money and to give back to the children. When we bring in members to join our club, we want them to know that is our number one purpose.”
Godbolt has multiple responsibilities in coordinating the event, yet his experience has made the process more manageable.
“One thing I bring into the Optimist Club is my experience with fundraising,” said Godbolt. “I have previously managed larger events, like raffles, and I’m trying to do more events in the future, such as the Smelt Fry, which is a 400-person event that offers food, raffles, tip boards, and a cash bar. The event takes putting together a worker's list and getting people scheduled so everything flows flawlessly. Thankfully, we have a great group of men in our club who are committed to making sure our fundraisers are successful.”
Despite the numerous tasks involved in organizing the fundraiser, Godbolt consistently rises to the occasion, as he can handle each responsibility.
“The first thing we have to make is a worker's schedule with windows of opportunity to work,” said Godbolt. “Then, members reach out to me and let me know if they want to work from this timeframe. I put them on the schedule and send it to all our members, letting them know who's signed up.”
Godbolt keeps track of who is responsible for each event, recognizing the crucial importance of each individual's role in the success of the overall event.
“This event runs from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on a Saturday,” said Godbolt. “I normally schedule 45 people to work between tip boards, organizing the prizes, and working at different stations. Multiple people are involved. You wouldn't think you need that many, but I have approximately 20 to 25 people per two-hour shift working in this event.”
He firmly believes in the significance of teamwork, recognizing that when everyone shares the same mindset, tasks can be accomplished more swiftly and efficiently.
“I'm one of these people that believe that it takes more than one person to be good at something,” said Godbolt. ”There's always somebody you need to guide the ship, and they've given me that role. It also has a great group of men who have the same goals.”
The Optimist Club will host more events aimed at furthering its support for the community in the future.