DeBary Foundation outlines fundraising plans, bricks memorial and Sept. 18 community kickoff

The City of DeBary on Aug. 20 heard a presentation from the newly formed DeBary Foundation on its organization, early projects and a Sept. 18 community kickoff.

The foundations founding chairman, Jim Oll, told the City Council the board completed organizational steps after its June 25 meeting and is registered with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) and the Florida Department of Agriculture to fundraise. Oll said the group is awaiting an IRS determination letter that will allow it to complete nonprofit tax-exempt filing and a certificate of exemption.

The foundation presented three program categories: delivering products (for example, memorial bricks), awarding funding to community organizations through a grant-style review, and standalone fundraising. Oll described the first program, "Bricks of Honor: Story of Valor," as a partnership with the city to install engraved bricks at Memorial Park and said the foundation will review and hold orders before they are produced to ensure appropriate content. He said brick orders are expected to start in September and the foundation hopes to dedicate the plaza on Presidents' Day 2026.

Oll said bricks will be available for DeBary residents and nonresidents, and veteran organizations such as the VFW and American Legion may purchase branded bricks for a designated section. He outlined three brick sizes and options for including service emblems; Gold Star families will receive a 15% discount.

Oll also previewed a foundation kickoff on Sept. 18 with a presentation and public prioritization of potential projects. The foundations early staffing is volunteer-based: Terry Hogue is serving as the foundation artist, Mike Newman is project lead for the bricks program, Alice (a Stetson University student) is handling social media, Jeffrey Faust is providing pro bono accounting support, and Josh is listed as a strategic adviser focusing on corporate partnerships.

City Manager Carmen (first name used in the meeting) briefed council members before the foundation remarks, noting that the council approved creation of the DeBary Foundation in March 2025 and selected the founding chairman. The city manager said a city resolution requires the foundation to submit financial statements to the city, and that nonprofits must file IRS Form 990 that discloses donors under Florida law; the city manager said those filings make foundation finances public.

Council members commended the volunteers and the partnership with Stetson University. No formal city action was taken; the presentation put the foundations plans and required transparency measures on the public record.

The presentation materials and staff remarks emphasized that the DeBary Foundation is an independent nonprofit that will collaborate with city staff to align projects with the city's strategic initiatives but will operate and fundraise separately.

The council did not vote on foundation governance or project approvals at the Aug. 20 meeting; the items presented were informational and preparatory.