Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO APPROVE Broward County’s participation as a co-sponsor through 2016 of Christmas in July, an annual event presented by Kiwanis Divisions 23 and 24 of Broward County that supports homeless children in Broward County with back-to-school clothing and supplies, and culminates in an event at the BB&T Center in Sunrise on a Saturday in July.

ACTION: (T-10:17 AM) Approved.

VOTE: 8-0. Commissioner Kiar was not present.

Administrative Code Chapter 13, Part VI, Section 13.37 Advantage Marketing Program requires Broward County Board of County Commissioners’ approval when the value of a co-sponsorship exceeds $5,000.

Provides authorization for County staff to participate in the promotion of the event; collection and transport of donated items (underwear, shoes, clothing, school supplies, books, and toiletries) and the use of the BB&T Center facility. Approval of a three-year co-sponsorship is requested to allow for planning activities to occur through multiple years with Broward County staff, at the end of which time it will return to the Board for future consideration.

None

THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE AND THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

For the past 12 years, Broward County has supported Christmas in July, a fun-filled day at the BB&T Center where backpacks filled with necessities such as new clothing, school supplies and toiletries have been provided for more than 12,500 homeless children. Christmas in July also provides children under the age of five with diapers/pull-ups, wipes, etc. Families who participate in this program live in temporary shelters or receive services from homeless provider agencies including Broward Outreach Centers, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, ARC Broward, Covenant House, Shepherd’s Way, The Salvation Army, Women in Distress, etc. Christmas in July was established by Kiwanis Division 23 and 24 as a not-for-profit 501(c)3.

Broward County’s co-sponsorship of this event supports the Commission’s Vision of “Social Safety Net: An Accessible Collaborative Approach to Health and Human Services.”