Pictured left to right: PCSO Chief Deputy Steve Henry, Optimist Club of Casa Grande Chapter President Carmelle Vangilder, and PCSO Sheriff Paul Babeu.

FLORENCE, Ariz. – PCSO Sheriff Paul Babeu and Chief Deputy Steve Henry presented members from the Optimist Club of Casa Grande a check for $2,500.

The money came from PCSO RICO funds, which are monies seized from drug cartels during the course of investigations under the RICO statue.

Optimist Club of Casa Grande chapter President Carmelle Vangilder stated, “On behalf of the Optimist Club of Casa Grande, we would like to thank Sheriff Babeu and the entire Pinal County’s Sheriff’s Office for this donation. The Optimist are dedicated to serving the youth of Casa Grande and this donation will go towards youth recognition activities. We also plan to use a portion of the funds to start a scholarship program.”
 
The Optimist Club of Casa Grande is one of 2,900 chapters around the world dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With their upbeat attitude, Optimist Club members help empower young people to be the best that they can be. Each Optimist Club determines the needs of the young people in its community and conducts programs to meet those needs. Every year, Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people.

Carmelle Vangilder reads a thank you to Sheriff Babeu along with her husband Harold.

Chief Deputy Henry stated, “When looking to donate to worthy causes around Pinal County using RICO funds, it was a no-brainer when it came to selecting the Optimist Club of Casa Grande. We look forward to supporting their efforts in the future as they build a better tomorrow for the youth of Pinal County.”
 
Sheriff Babeu stated, “The effects of drug cartels in our County continue to challenge the efforts of law enforcement, but if there’s one positive we can take away is the ability as a agency to take drug money aimed at destroying lives and turn it into providing opportunity for our citizens. I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Optimist Club of Casa Grande will have on our children using this money.”