Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Acceptance of Grant Funding in the Amount of $1,000 for FY 2024-2025 Merced County First Five Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for the 1st Annual Halloween Parade
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating grant funding in the amount of $1,000 from Merced County First Five for the 1st Annual Halloween Parade
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from Merced County First Five and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Contributions account in the amount of $1,000; and,
B. Appropriating the same to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Operating Materials, Services & Supplies; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
The Children’s Bill of Rights’ Community Engagement Sponsorships Program provides financial support to organizations implementing community engagement events and activities that: Promote the Children’s Bill of Rights and connect families with children 0-5 years with available services that make the rights more of a reality for Merced County children. Funding under this program falls within First 5’s mission of “providing for the optimal physical, emotional and intellectual growth of the young children of Merced County” and aims to increase community level awareness and acknowledgement of the need to prioritize care benefiting our youngest kids (0-5).
Under this funding program, First 5 Merced County will support activities across a broad geography throughout Merced County, and partner together with a diverse group of organizations, groups, businesses, and other entities to engage community members and begin discussions around the Bill of Rights and children’s needs, and connect families with needed services.
The Parks and Community Services Department applied for a community engagement sponsorship program earlier in September and was awarded $1,000 for costs associated with the upcoming event. This event offers an opportunity for children and families in the community to experience the wonders of Halloween in a safe environment offering a Kids Zone in Bob Hart Square with activities that entails: decorating pumpkins, Halloween crafts (handmade & edible), Halloween yard games, complimentary drinks and popcorn for attendees. Attendees are encouraged to dress up. This event will be held in downtown in Bob Hart Square on October 12, 2024, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
For the past years as our Halloween event continues to grow, a working relationship with community businesses has been developed as their monetary support has been supplemental to these events. Now with the partnership of First 5 and the focus on youth 0-5 years, we are able to target more of these youth in our community thanks to the sponsorship by First 5.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once it is accepted and appropriated to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services and Division 4040 (Special Events), this $1,000 will be available within the FY2024-25 budget to help with costs for this particular event.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Five Agreement Letter
2. Halloween Parade Flyer