Can Park Advocates Become Nonprofit?, By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of

FEATURED COLUMNIST

Can Park Advocates Become Nonprofit?

By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley

As 2021 closes, I want to express appreciation to the community for the support provided this past year, particularly the Holiday Tree Lighting Festival.

Recently the City lost the Scotts Valley Park Advocates, which provided several community events through the years. The Park Advocates were disbanded as originally created in hopes that they can be brought back as an independent 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.

Through the years, the ParkAdvocates have contributed to the community more than most realize.

They brought the Scotts Valley 4th of July Fireworks celebration and others in addition to the Tree Lighting Festival.

This year, it was the community that stepped forward with donations and volunteers first for the 4th of July parade and recently to bring back the Holiday Tree Lighting festival.

The Exchange Club volunteered to take the lead for the Tree Lighting Festival and the Kiwanis, Rotary and Valley Churches United provided hot cider, hot cocoa and cookies. Cruise Coffee provided coffee. The Scotts Valley Fire District transported Santa & Mrs. Claus to the Community Center and Scotts Valley police officers staffed the toy drive.

Bobbie Ward, Performance Vocals, organized and assisted local music students and artists to provide entertainment. Santa & Mrs. Claus brought toys and games they donated so no child would be left without a gift. SV Scout Troup 614 assisted with setup and cleanup while selling holiday wreaths. Greg Wimp of Togo’s made it snow at the Community Center to the delight of guests of all ages!

In addition to the many volunteers, businesses and community members stepped forward as sponsors covering various costs and providing support to Valley Churches United.

Diamond Sponsors: Areias Systems & Mari & Edward Rossi. Gold Sponsors: Robert Aldana, Victor Alejandro, BMS Management Services, Garrison Plumbing & Septic Construction, Donna Lind, Reynolds Group, Exchange Club of SV. Silver Sponsors: Brother’s Food Truck, Bruno’s, Bustichi & Son, Togo’s, Valley Churches United.

Valley Churches reported the support received from this year’s festival was even more than past years!

These very special family events were only possible because our community came together to make it happen.

Without the Park Advocates, we will need continued community support for some of these special events including the Fireworks Celebration. The ParkAdvocates need legal support to form an independent nonprofit.

Volunteers are needed to continue the important work the Park Advocates have done through the years. If you’re interested in helping reform the Park Advocates, contact me.

Looking forward to 2022, there is much encouragement. Target is coming to Scotts Valley in the former Kmart location on Mt. Hermon Road. They are working toward opening mid-2022.

Kmart had been one of the largest sales tax producers for Scotts Valley. Target will fill a retail gap that has been missed in the area.

Also encouraging is that the City received $250,000 in Community Block Grant CARES Act funding to provide economic relief to Scotts Valley businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.