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Advisory board discusses beneficiaries for Parkland Dash and Pumpkin Patch; two new organizations proposed to commission
Summary
The advisory board reviewed candidate beneficiaries for the Parkland Dash (Oct. 12) and Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 18–23) events, including two organizations—Parkland 17 Foundation and Walk in My Shoes—expected to be presented to the commission for addition to the city’s approved charities list.
Board members reviewed the city’s process for selecting beneficiaries for two fall events: the Parkland Dash on Oct. 12 and the Pumpkin Patch Oct. 18–23.
Staff explained that being a beneficiary requires more than receiving funds: beneficiaries must provide volunteers to staff the event, help with packet stuffing, operate a tent to share information, and assist across multiple days for the Pumpkin Patch. Staff asked the advisory board to name one beneficiary for the Dash, one for the Pumpkin Patch, and at least one alternate for each in case an organization cannot commit.
Staff said two organizations — the Parkland 17 Foundation (the group forming the public memorial for the Parkland 17) and Walk in My Shoes by Lauren’s Kids (an abuse‑prevention curriculum organization) — will be presented for approval at the May 18 commission meeting to be added to the city’s approved charities list. Board members were advised to provide alternates in case the commission does not add either organization.
Staff noted a recent inquiry from the Scott Beagle Foundation seeking to partner as a Parkland Dash beneficiary this year; staff said Scott Beagle has prior experience supporting runs and could be a fit.
Board members asked about historical payouts and how beneficiaries are publicized. Staff provided last year’s numbers: a nonprofit called “Make Our Schools Safe” received $2,911; a named beneficiary for the pumpkin patch (Gina Rose Montalto) received $2,139; and the pumpkin patch distributed $1,358 to each Parkland public school (three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school). Staff said a commission meeting presentation and a social media post with ceremonial checks follow final accounting.
The board debated whether to formalize an unwritten practice that beneficiaries should rotate rather than repeat in consecutive years. One board member moved to formalize that practice; the motion was seconded. The provided transcript records the motion and a second but does not include a recorded roll‑call vote in the excerpt.
Staff said they will circulate the shortlisted candidates and reminded the board that alternates are commonly used when an organization cannot commit volunteers or has scheduling conflicts.
