City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 January 27, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 4.1
DATE: January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Consider a Resolution to Authorize the City of Union City to Purchase Tickets to the New Haven Schools Foundation Annual Fund-Raising Event
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting, a Councilmember requested that the City Council consider authorizing the City to purchase a table (equivalent to 10 tickets) for the annual New Haven Schools Foundation (NHSF) fundraiser, Diamonds in Education Gala.
A resolution to authorize the purchase of a table has been attached for the City Council's consideration, should the City Council wish to proceed on this time-sensitive matter.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
There is no direct alignment with the Strategic Plan.
BACKGROUND
The NHSF sponsors an annual fundraising event to provide scholarships to graduating high school students and to support other educational programs and activities.
A description of the organization from their webpage is as follows:
The New Haven Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the students and schools of the New Haven Unified School District.
Our mission is to reach out to parents, businesses, District employees, elected officials, and other members of the New Haven community to raise money for scholarships, classroom grants, and enrichment activities. Our goal is to help develop and empower every student to be productive, responsible, and successful.
We light the way for the leaders of tomorrow.
NHSF was founded in 1981 and incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 2007.
An active board of directors governs us, and our executive director manages operations. We call on our advisory board for strategic ideas and guidance.
Agenda Item No. 4.1
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 January 27, 2026
In 2023, the Foundation’s Pathways to Success program awarded a $194,500 in scholarships for our students. This brings the total of scholarship funding since our incorporation in 2007 to over $1.76 million! We funded classroom projects and after-school activities to the tune of $104,000 in 2023, bringing the cumulative total to $ 429,995 since 2009.
Every dollar of support we receive stays right here in our local school district, serving children and youth living in Union City and parts of Hayward.” Each year, the NHSF invites the community to attend the gala in support of its mission to provide scholarships and fund other educational programming. This year, the gala will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton, CA.
DISCUSSION
The NHSF is a stand-alone non-profit organization, and the City does not provide any funding or grant support to the organization. The City typically does not purchase tickets to events sponsored by non-profits, such as crab feeds or other fundraising or award events.
In 2025, the City Manager’s Office purchased a table (10 tickets) for the NHSF gala to ensure that City Councilmembers could attend if they were able. Based upon the City Council’s availability, any remaining tickets were offered to staff members to fill the table.
Staff is now requesting City Council direction on whether to support the gala.
Regularly, the City purchases tickets to government-related events that may provide education and training for elected officials, such as the League of California Cities East Bay Chapter events or the State of the Valley (Silicon Valley) Conference. In addition, the City may support Chamber of Commerce-sponsored activities. The City contracts with the Chamber of Commerce to fulfill specific economic development activities, including:
• Support of City programs for business growth and development • Host and sponsor annual mixers, luncheons, and dinners • Chamber outreach to business
As part of the contract, the City requires the Chamber to sponsor the Community Spirit Awards event to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations for their significant contributions to the Community. The City has historically purchased tables to ensure that the City Council and key staff members could attend.
The NHSF is once again inviting the community to support their gala. As noted, a City Councilmember has requested that the City Council consider supporting the event and sponsoring a table. Staff is seeking clarification from the City Council on this matter.
While the event raises money for NHSF and most of the students that benefit are Union City residents, this is not an event related to City government activities or services, nor is it included in the Strategic Plan. If the City Council chooses not to purchase tickets on behalf of the City, those Councilmembers and staff interested in attending would pay for their own, individual tickets.
Agenda Item No. 4.1
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 3 January 27, 2026
A draft resolution has been prepared that includes findings of public purpose, should the City Council decide to direct the City to purchase tickets.
FISCAL IMPACT
The $2,400 cost to reserve a table (10 chairs) would be charged to the City Manager’s Office, Travel & Training, Account No.11012001-54310, where there are sufficient funds.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the attached resolution to authorize the purchase of a table (10 tickets) for the NHSF Diamonds in Education Gala. If the resolution is adopted, staff will immediately reserve a table for the 2026 NHSF event for City Councilmembers and key staff.
Prepared by: Joan Malloy, City Manager
Submitted by: Joan Malloy, City Manager
Attachments
1. Draft Resolution