The City Council is asked to review and approve the following amendment to the FY25 Adopted Budget, which would allow for the acceptance of a donation from the West Pasco Quilters Guild to the Parks and Recreation Department in the amount of ($3,500). The proceeds will be used to offset Recreation and Aquatic Center memberships for Open Arms Scholarship Program recipients.

The City's Purchasing Policy states that a receipt not anticipated in the budget or received for a particular purpose, including but not limited to, grants, donations, or gifts, must be approved by the City Council.  In this case, the West Pasco Quilters Guild has graciously donated a check in the amount of ($3,500) to the Parks and Recreation Department. City staff is requesting to utilize this donation to offset membership costs for Youth who qualify for Open Arms Scholarships throughout the year. The Open Arms Scholarship Program is designed to give Youth from low-income families an opportunity to gain access to the Recreation and Aquatic Center.  As you are aware, Youth Programs remains a primary focus of the Parks and Recreation Department and many of our programs play a vital role in bringing positive outcomes to Youth in New Port Richey and beyond.  Furthermore, programs like Summer Camp, Youth Basketball Camps, Swim Lessons and Youth Memberships to the facility are heavily used and provide unique opportunities for kids in the community to learn new skills, develop confidence and make new friends. Donations like this go a long way to offset participation expenses for our participants while supporting families in need.