Board discusses Perkins Tryon Elementary gym floor fundraiser but cannot formally sponsor project

Board members discussed fundraising to replace the gym floor at Perkins Tryon Elementary and received guidance from city staff about what the Parks and Recreation Board may and may not do.

A presenter described local fundraising ideas, including a dodgeball tournament modeled on a nearby town’s annual event that raises money through team entry fees, concessions and auctions. One board member said Coach Martin estimated the full cost of a new floor at about $50,000.

City staff advised the board that, because the city does not own the gym floor, the Parks and Recreation Board could not formally host or brand a fundraising campaign as a city parks and rec event or use city funds or concession proceeds to purchase the floor. City staff said board members may participate in, volunteer at or advertise a community fundraiser as individuals and may share information on social media or post event flyers at city hall, but the board itself cannot be the sponsoring entity.

Board members signaled support for individual participation, discussed partnering as volunteers to help run a community fundraiser and acknowledged fundraising for a large capital project would likely take multiple years.