Councilor seeks permission to solicit donations for District 2 movie night and Aug. 2 back-to-school event

A Tulsa councilor asked the Public Works Committee for authorization to solicit donations and contributions on behalf of Council District 2 to support a summer movie night at Reid Park and a back-to-school event at Celebration Park, targeting an Aug. 2 date for the back-to-school event and a tentative 11 a.m.–1 p.m. window.

The presenting councilor said the events are intended to bring resources and community-building activities to the River West/Eugene Field area, and to partner with the parks department, the Tulsa Housing Authority, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) and local nonprofits including Pencil Box and the YMCA. The councilor said parks staff (identified in discussion as Stacy and Dustin) are helping coordinate licensing and logistics. The presenter said the effort aims to assemble in-kind donations and partner tables and suggested an ambition to provide about 100 backpacks for students.

Councilor Bellis asked administrative questions about how solicited donations would be received and tracked and whether donations would be routed through the city or handled by nonprofit partners. A second councilor cited council rules that require council approval before a councilor solicits gifts or uses the city’s name for non-city functions; the presenter said they would work with the parks department to determine whether donations would be in-kind at the event or monetary and how they would be received. Staff said parks handles licensing for public-film showings and that licensing fees depend on the popularity of the chosen film.

Several councilors offered practical support and contact lists for nonprofit partners; one councilor said existing groups such as the Dream Center in North Tulsa and River West neighborhood partners have done similar back-to-school work in the area. The transcript records committee members encouraging the presenter and offering help; it does not record a formal committee vote on the request. The presenting councilor was given verbal support and resources to coordinate logistics with parks staff and nonprofit partners.

The transcript does not identify the presenting councilor by full name in the recorded excerpt; it does record named participants raising questions about process and logistics. The item will require follow-up with Parks to finalize whether donations will be accepted in-kind, routed through a nonprofit, or processed through a city mechanism.