Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding in the Amount of $2,500 for FY 2024-2025 Merced County First 5 Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for Breakfast with Santa
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating grant funding in the amount of $2,500 from First 5 Merced County Breakfast with Santa
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from First 5 Merced County and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Contribution account in the amount of $2,500; and,
B. Appropriating the same in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Operating Materials, Services and 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 in early October and was awarded 2,500 for costs associated with the upcoming event. This event offers an opportunity for children and families in the community to experience the wonders of the holidays in a safe environment offering numerous activities that entails: Holiday crafts (handmade & edible), Santa and elf hats, complimentary drinks and popcorn for attendees, breakfast such as pancakes, sausage and bacon, and photos with Santa. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their pajamas. This event will waive fees for youth 0-5 years old and will be held on December 14, 2024 from 8:00am-12:00pm.
For the past years as our Breakfast with Santa 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. In addition, with the support of Merced Senior Inc., our community volunteers will be responsible for cooking all the pancakes and hot food for the second year.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once it is accepted and appropriated to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services and Division 4030 (Special Events), this $2,500 will be available within the FY2024-25 budget to help with costs for this particular event.
This budget amendment will require an affirmative vote of five council members to pass.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Five Agreement Letter
2. Breakfast with Santa Flyer