Walk the Farm with Orange Coast Optimist (OCO Club)

Re-chartered in 1988, OCO is part of the larger community of Japanese American basketball leagues that were created post World War II as an outlet for Japanese Americans who were not welcome to play in many other open leagues. To honor the reason why these leagues began, the founders of OCO wanted to preserve and celebrate Japanese American traditions and provide cultural opportunities for its members. One of the club's mottoes has long been "We are more than basketball." We stress giving back to the community, preserving Japanese American culture, and providing development opportunities for our youth. We facilitate fellowship by encouraging the whole family to get involved in our programs and events.

Mission statement:

The mission of the OCO Club is to promote an active interest in community affairs, to work for fellowship among all people, and to aid and encourage the development of youth.

Purpose/Vision:

Create a community of leaders that encourages civic responsibility, cultural awareness, and youth leadership through community service, cultural events, and sports activities in a culturally inclusive environment.

Annual Walk the Farm fundraiser, presented by OCO and Tanaka Farms. (Always on the Saturday prior to Father’s Day)

Take a leisurely 1-mile walk around a real working farm sampling freshly harvested fruits and vegetables along the way. 

100% of the net proceeds will go to providing scholarships in the School of Agriculture at Iwate University and grants to teach new farmers that will renew areas that were affected by the "Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami" on March 11, 2011, and also to local farmers suffering from natural disasters.

https://www.walkthefarm.org/