GET INVOLVED
THE OPTIMIST is more than a film — it is a journey from darkness to hope. By giving, you can choose to support two distinct efforts: KAVOD, which helps Holocaust survivors living in poverty, or THE OPTIMIST Impact Campaign, which brings Herbert Heller’s story to audiences nationwide and empowers intergenerational dialogue, reflection, and action.
Support Holocaust Survivors Through KAVOD
Recent studies indicate that 38,400 Holocaust Survivors are living in the United States, and more than 30% are living near poverty. Many have had to choose between heat or food, medicine or rent. The support these Survivors received did not allow them to afford what was needed to live a dignified life.
Recognizing the importance of reaching every Survivor, regardless of where they live, Seed the Dream Foundation partnered with KAVOD to establish the KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF) in 2019. KAVOD SHEF exponentially multiplies the dollars and vital services directly reaching Survivors and increases awareness of this crisis.
100% of KAVOD SHEF matching funds raised are directed toward Emergency Services for Survivors as a secondary resource.
Empower Students Through Bring Change to Mind (BC2M)
Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) empowers young people to build connected, empathetic, and supportive school communities where conversations about mental health are welcome and stigma-free. Actress and activist Glenn Close co-founded the nonprofit organization in 2010 in response to a critical need to eradicate stigma and discrimination by normalizing conversations about mental illness.
BC2M’s first initiatives focused on developing widely distributed public education materials grounded in the latest scientific insights and measured for effectiveness. Since then, BC2M has expanded to include an evidence-based, student-led High School Club Program, launched in 2015, followed by a Middle School Program piloted in 2020. Today, BC2M Clubs operate in 43 states across 540 high schools and 115 middle schools, empowering more than 100,000 students to take a proactive approach to their mental health through peer connection, resilience-building, and increased access to support and resources.
Our national screening campaign will bring the film to communities across the country, engaging audiences committed to remembrance, resilience, and taking action. We will foster intergenerational dialogue and empower our young changemakers to make choices today that can inspire hope for generations to come.
Carry Herbert Heller’s message forward — into classrooms, communities, and youth spaces across the country. For foundations, companies, and individuals seeking deeper partnership, THE OPTIMIST offers a tiered sponsorship structure with meaningful national visibility and mission-driven impact—supporting youth resilience, intergenerational connection, and community healing.
By joining us, you help turn Herbert’s story into a movement rooted in hope, compassion, and connection—showing that when we show up for our community, we can transform the world around us.
It’s time to jump in — take the first step today.
Support our impact campaign — tax-deductible gifts can be made via our fiscal sponsor, The Film Collaborative.
SUPPORT THE FILM
To explore corporate partnership opportunities, please reach out to us at theoptimistmovie@gmail.com
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Supports national outreach to schools, synagogues, and youth communities.
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Funds educational toolkits, curriculum resources, and guided conversations.
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Underwrites multi-city screenings and facilitates community and youth programming.
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Provides sustained support for remembrance, resilience, and intergenerational initiatives.
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Presented by [Name] — Premier recognition across the national campaign and screenings, including ownership of the National Day of Optimism.
Recognition at multi-city screenings. Enhanced brand presence across digital platforms and community activations.Co-branding of the national Digital Resilience Wall.
Positioned as a national partner in generational healing and community impact.
“Presented by [Sponsor]” credit across the campaign.
Exclusive Founding Partner recognition driving national impact in resilience and connection.
Ownership of the National Day of Optimism — a nationwide activation spanning digital, social, media, and community events.
Sponsor Recognition
& Benefits
All sponsors receive recognition aligned with their level, which may include:
Recognition at multi-city screenings and events
Logo placement on the film website and national campaign materials
Inclusion in the #OptimistVoices campaign
Co-branded educational toolkits for schools and youth groups
Participation in Optimist Conversation Corners and national Conversation Starters
Brand leadership opportunities through panels and discussions
Visibility on the National Optimist Map of Hope
Enhanced digital and community-facing campaign presence