FROM:
Development Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Allocate the Donations from Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation Inaugural Fundraising Event to FUSD for Marching Band Uniforms
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize the Community Foundation to accept and allocate donations on behalf of The Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation $15,000 for Marching Band Uniforms.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents associated with the fiscal sponsorship and administrative operations.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• Promote economic development by pursuing business attraction, retention, and expansion.
• Operate in a businesslike manner by creating a memorable customer experience with every interaction.
DISCUSSION:
The Stage Red Fontana Youth Music Foundation (SR Foundation) is dedicated to empowering young people through music by funding instruments, resources, and educational opportunities for students across the Fontana community. Founded by music legends with deep roots in the community-Sammy Hagar and Jay Buchanan-the foundation is dedicated to supporting music education for future generations.
SR Foundation received IRS recognition as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code on December 4, 2025. The SR Foundation is currently in the process of registering with the State of California Department of Justice to operate as a charitable nonprofit organization.
On October 29, 2025, Stage Red hosted the inaugural fundraising gala to commemorate the establishment of the SR Foundation. The gala generated $159,785 of donations, including committed but unpaid contributions. To date, the City Council has committed $33,000 in donations through prior Council actions. These commitments include:
1. Sponsoring and disbursed $15,000 to Kaiser High School Marching Band's purchase of new band equipment.
2. Sponsorship of two Fontana high school music students to attend GRAMMY Camp in Los Angeles at a total anticipated cost of up to $12,000. To date, $8,000 scholarship has been disbursed to the GRAMMY Museum Foundation, with the remaining $4,000 to be disbursed as program costs are incurred.
3. Sponsoring $6,000 for the "GRAMMY in the Schools" program in Fontana, providing up to 120 Fontana students with the opportunity to participate in the program, pending disbursement upon FUSD request.
In addition, based on net proceeds remaining from the inaugural gala, a fourth donation is recommended to FUSD for the purchase of new marching band uniforms. This action authorizes the City Manager to process payment for the above-referenced donations and scholarships using only funds received from event attendees and sponsors. Any funds remaining after payment of all approved disbursements and related expenses shall remain in the SR Foundation account.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $15,000 is available from donation proceeds in Org. 29830000. Any necessary budget adjustments will be included in the next Quarterly Budget Report.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.