Page 8B The Kings Mountain Herald | www.kmherald.com Wednesday, February 11, 2015 KM Elite seeks support from city Ed. note: Maurice Tate, President and founder of Kings Mountain Elite, a program which draws hundreds of young people in .not only sports pro- grams but educational and tu- torial, writes an open letter to city council asking for the city to budget funds for this non- profit organization program in addition to the YMCA. Good afternoon, I hope your day is going great. The purpose for this email is to provide my input about the City’s recent plan to renew a 20-year agree- ment with the Y. I recognize that the City has fiscal and social responsibil- ities to provide recreational ser- vices to our community. I'm not opposed to the City nego- tiating with the Y or any other program. Throughout the State, local governments successfully work with nonprofit organizations to accomplish many public pur- Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm ¢ Sat 8am- N Large wanton and poses. Moreover, many North Carolina cities help fund non- profits’ programs to revitalize neighborhoods, encourage the arts, provide after school and recreation programs, and sup- port economic development. I don’t want our organi- zation to be overlooked in the planning process because we are also a non-profit program that’s doing commendable work in handling the city’s and community’s priorities with our youth. We are not trying to compete with the Y, but want to have a mutual relationship with the City regarding recreational program services for the youth. Our demographics show that we have been serving the community's most econom- ically, occupationally, and educationally disadvantaged families in the highest poverty areas in the town. The major- ity of our funding comes from small grants, fundraisers, and F [nn) Voted Cleveland County's Best Seafood 5 Years In A Row! pAILY oH Tuesday - Saturday ALS FISH BOX Serving KM Since 1968 1104 Shelby Rd., Kings Mountain ¢ 704-739-4036 J 11am - 9pm 3, donations. In the City's Long- Term Recreation Goals, our program should be considered. Our main question consist of is it a possibility that K.M. Elite can be integrated with the City's plans in offering recre- ational services to the commu- nity? In the article from the Kings Mountain Herald, it was stated " if approved, the city and Y would embark on major, joint fundraisers to improve the existing building, expand exist- ing programs and add additional equipment to provide increased recreational programming for Kings Mountain area citizens." Our program has been visible and responsible for providing community access also during these past years that translated to an increase in recreational activities and involvement for youth in the community. I understand that the Y has been the central focus for the city's recreation services for the | ; Ye = — Bo WIL": 7 AN past 15 years, since the contract was originated. However, our town has changed significantly since the inception of that con- tract. We are growing socially and economically as a commu- nity, especially with prospects such as the new Power Plant and possibly the Casino acqui- sition coming to our city, if ap- proved. In conclusion, our goal is to continue to make positive contributions in our community by having a hands-on-approach that will benefit our children in the present and future. Our pro- gram is well- staffed and able to handle this endeavor. With your monetary contribution it would not only increase the progress but allow us to assist in closing the gaps that relate to crime and drop outs in our area. We have been serving over two hundred children and families for the past five years and will continue to do so. If the City decides to TE A dngsiMountain NTE Published Every Wednesday TEESE Maurice Tate with group of young people. include our program along with the Y, it would enhance the inclusion and endorsement of diversity within our commu- nity. As the City continues to experience high growth, so will the needs of our children and families. Our program is asking before you finalize long-term negotiations of one program that you be mindful of the other prominent programs, such as K.M. Elite that’s making a huge difference in our City. This will ensure that our City is taking pride in all of our children by carefully allocating the City’s resources rightfully with fair- ness. We are very proud of our overall accomplishments and look forward to continuing to build and improve the condi- tions of our town in serving our families and youth. MAURICE L. TATE KM Elite founder, president GREG’S AUTO MACHINE PO BOX 707 HWY. 74:W. 102 CASH ROAD KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086 B Jamie Carrigan °f' 704-739-5116 : NON gage Rp EE 704.739.7308 | CAR REPAIRS BATTERIES ) KINGS MOUNTAIN, NC 28086 7 TN PEIN TY + A GREG NOLEN Orders Available Same Day! DATE TIME TRACK WINNING TV le | No 04133-5436 Feb.14 8:00 Daytona Sprint Unitd soy FOX | r cs : Feb.19 7:00 Daytona Bud Duels _ FOXSpt1 {You Can Tell By The Company You Keep ) cdot ts Febh.22 1:00 Daytona 500 a OPOX + PAINT AND# 8 || Mar.1 1:00 Atlanta OT 500 RX ODY SHOE | Mar.8 3:30 LasVegasKobolt400 _ FOX 24vour wrecker lf | SEU Mar. 15 3:30 Phoenix C.W. 500 FX 704-739-6999 Mar. 22 3:30 Calf. 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