ABOUT US

HISTORY

Rich Bartholomew, longtime coach and father of three active kids brought the idea for COBRA to Alan Byers, C.B. Fire Chief and Ed Kermoade, a teacher and coach at Wilson Jr. High.  The first meeting of COBRA volunteers was held in Nov. of 1997 and brought together several pro-active youth sports and community leaders including Mark Brooks, Randy Smith, and Marty Brooks.

At this meeting the foundation, goals, and mission of COBRA started taking shape based on the original concept that "every child should have the opportunity to play regardless of the cost."  Upon receiving non-profit status, COBRA was on its way.  An initial family membership fee of $5 registered kids of grades 3-8 into COBRA.  Each child and parent is responsible to participate in fundraisers and community service projects throughout the year. The current cost is $15 annual family participation fee and includes sports programs all year long. 

Teams were put together with coaches from our original 50 kids and put in various leagues throughout the city.  COBRA pays for fees, uniform and equipment costs.  The number of COBRA participants has continued to grow over the years to our current 250.

In the fall of 2005 COBRA proudly joined “Optimist International” and changed our name to the COBRA Optimist Club of Council Bluffs.  We are the same great club and even more dedicated to fulfilling our mission.  Our motto has always been and always will be, “For the Kids”.     

Programs/Participation 

C.O.B.R.A. programs range from the funding of teams into existing sports programs (ie. city leagues, tournaments etc.) to organizing and operating our own leagues and tournaments in a variety of sports.  Instructional clinics are put on throughout the year with the cooperation of Thomas Jefferson H.S. basketball and baseball coaches and players.  Coaches and players of the 3rd Degree volleyball club kick off our volleyball league with a clinic.  Instruction ranges from beginning to advanced skills in all of our clinics.  Tournaments are held in both basketball and softball each year attracting teams from the area.  Our basketball tournament is in its 5th year and has grown from 17 teams our 1st year to over 60 teams in 2005.  Community service projects include yearly participation in the Pride Week city clean up and  and COBRA has “Adopted A Highway”.  The West End Optimist Club has partnered with COBRA in our various leagues and tournaments helping us in many ways.  100's of players, coaches, parents and volunteers have participated in C.O.B.R.A. teams, clinics, tournaments, and community service projects throughout the years. 

Financial Information

A combination of participation fees, fundraising and donations from individuals, businesses and civic organizations provide the funding for COBRA to operate.  Our fundraising throughout the years has featured a golf tournament, jump rope-a-thon, raffles, street dances, basketball tournament, and more.  The generous support of local businesses and area schools also make it possible for us to continue to grow.  COBRA is registered in the state of Iowa as a non-profit organization and is proud to announce our chartered membership of Optimist International.  As an Optimist club, we are also a 501C3 federal tax status organization.  Donations made to COBRA are now tax deductible. 

Board of Directors 

President:

    Rich Bartholomew

Vice Presidents:

    Marty BrookS

        Kim Townsend

Secretary:

    Pat Korner

Treasurer:

    Mark Brooks

Board:

    Alan Byers

        Ed Kermoade

        Jeff Klement

        Don Robinson

        Randy Smith

        Don Fredrickson