HomeMy WebLinkAboutA010 - Resolution authorizing the expenditure of approximately $3,003 from Council Contingency Account to sponsor 2026 NAACP Freedom Fund BanquetITEM #:12
DATE:02-10-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:2026 NAACP FREEDOM FUND BANQUET SPONSORSHIP
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
At the January 30, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council reviewed a request (attached) from
Pastor Moses Ward, President of the Ames Branch of the NAACP for sponsorship of the 2026
Freedom Fund Banquet. The Council directed that the request be placed on the February 10,
2026, agenda for Council consideration.
The letter from Pastor Ward describes the scheduled program for the 2026 event, which will
be held on February 19 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The 2026 Special Guests are the Langston
Hughes Players. The City Council is being asked whether it wishes to participate as a sponsor
in the event. Five sponsorship levels are offered, along with individual/single ticket pricing. The
sponsorship levels are summarized below:
Diamond Sponsor: $5,000, includes 20 guests at the event
Platinum Sponsor: $3,500, includes 16 guests at the event
Silver Sponsor: $2,500, includes 10 guests at the event
Bronze Sponsor: $1,500, includes 8 guests at the event
Sustaining Sponsor/Faith-Based: $650, includes 5 guests at the event
In 2025, the City participated in the event as a Bronze Sponsor. The Library is exploring
participating as a sponsor this year as well but has yet to determine which level of sponsorship
to pursue. Staff is proposing to participate with two tables at the Bronze Sponsorship
level, for a total cost of $3,003 (Two $1,500 tables plus a $1.50 service charge for each).
Funding to support the request is available from the Council Contingency account, which has
a current balance of $93,689.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize the use of $3,003 from the Council Contingency Account for Sponsorship level
for the 2026 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet which provide two tables (16 seats).
2. Authorize a sponsorship at one of the other sponsorship levels.
3. Decline to sponsor the 2026 NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet is a signature annual event for the Ames Branch of this
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important organization. Through this and other events, the NAACP facilitate meaningful
conversations to strive for equitable outcomes for the whole community. In 2025, the City
participated in this event as a $3,003 Sponsor. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City
Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as described above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
M. Ward - Ames NAACP 2026 Freedom Fund Sponsor Request.pdf
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COLORED PEOPLE
Ames Branch #4120 – P.O. Box 529 – Ames, Iowa 50010
2025 Annual Freedom Fund
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Registration and Social 5:30 p.m.
Dinner-6:30 p.m.
January 22, 2026
Mayor and Ames City Council
Ames, IA 50010
Greetings Mayor and City Council,
As we enter a new year, we know that the Ames Branch of the NAACP must continue to lead the work, ensuring that
all community members can contribute and are valued. Now more than ever, we must lead, listen, partner, provide
tools and resources, and sponsor meaningful programming with community organizations and local governments.
To ensure this work continues locally, we invite you to attend our 2026 Freedom Fund Banquet, which is scheduled
for Thursday, February 19th, at the Gateway Hotel. Registration and a social hour begin at 5:30 p.m., and the
program and dinner begin at 6:30 p.m.
The theme of our 2026 event is "Our Mission Continues...” highlights the ongoing importance of the NAACP's Enduring
Commitments to issues such as Civil Rights, Social Justice, Health and Well-Being, and more. To help us continue to
address the barriers to this critical work, this year we invite you to a unique Black History Month cultural
experience. The Langston Hughes Players of Des Moines, as well as other regional artists, will deliver special
performances, and the time will include the opportunity to connect with banquet attendees through guided,
meaningful conversation. We are excited about what this creative cultural program can do to enhance and expand
our community's efforts to engage more with all of our members.
As a corporate sponsor, the City of Ames's footprint will be recognized for its continued support and commitment to
the betterment of the community of Ames/Story County. The 2026 sponsorship levels are attached for your
consideration. We hope we can again count on your support for this event.
We want to thank the City of Ames in advance for considering this partnership and sponsorship opportunity. We look
forward to hearing from you soon. Registration is now open, please visit our website at www.amesianaacp.org. If
you have any questions or need additional information, contact our Freedom Committee Chair, Vanessa Baker-
Latimer, at ffbames@gmail.com.
Kindest Regards,
Moses A. Ward, President, Ames NAACP Branch
2026 Freedom Fund Event Committee:
Vanessa Baker-Latimer-Chair; Anita Rollins, Timothy L. Gartin, Bob Kindred, and Ericka Eregbu; -Co-Chairs
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Ames Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Event
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, Ames, Iowa
Social 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Program 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
2026 Corporate Sponsorship Levels and Benefits
Diamond Sponsor: $5,000
• 20 guests at the In-Person Event (10 per table)
• 20 one-year NAACP memberships*
• Logo recognition as Diamond Sponsor during the program
• Verbal recognition during the program
• Logo and link placement on the NAACP Ames website for one year
• Recognition Plaque
• Opportunity for 1–4-minute “live or pre-recorded” message during the event.
Platinum Sponsor: $3,500
• 16 guests at the In-Person Event (8 per table)
• 16 one-year NAACP memberships*
• Logo recognition as Platinum Sponsor during the event program
• Verbal recognition during the program
• Opportunity for 1–3 minute “live or pre-recorded” message during the event.
• Logo and link placement on the NAACP Ames Website for the program year
Silver Sponsor: $2,500
• 10 guests at the In-Person Event (10 per table)
• 10 one-year NAACP memberships*
• Logo recognition as Silver Sponsor during the program
• 1–2-minute pre-recorded message during the event
• Verbal recognition during the program
• Logo placement on the NAACP Ames Website for the program year
Bronze Sponsor: $1,500.00
• 8 guests at the In-Person Event (8 per table)
• 8 one-year NAACP memberships*
• Logo recognition as Bronze Sponsor during the program
• Recognition as a Bronze Sponsor on our website for one year
Sustaining Sponsor/Faith-Based: $650.00
• 5 guests at the In-Person Event (5 per table)
• 5 one-year NAACP memberships*)
• Recognition as a Sustaining Sponsor on our website for one year
Individual Tickets: $175
*Each Membership also includes a one-year membership to the NAACP
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