Four was the lucky number this spring for Gators basketball, and with the help of the Gainesville community, it could be the lucky number for the city’s Summer Heatwave program as well.
In light of the Gators advance to the Final Four, the city is asking for a donation for its Summer Heatwave program, said Steven Phillips, director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs for the City of Gainesville. In the spirit of the Final Four, the city suggests increments of four: $4, $40 or $400.
The department is teaming up with Gainesville Police to continue the summer program that allows teens to participate in different activities such as pool days, fitness classes and a basketball tournament, he said.
“An update was given to the commission about the program being very successful, so (the commissioners are) trying to have us expand it,” Phillips said.
To raise money, the city is using Citizinvestor, a website similar to Kickstarter that allows people to donate online and requires the campaign to meet its fund goal of $20,720 to receive the money.
Both departments were collectively allocated $10,000 from the City Commission. Through the campaign, organizers are hoping to double the funding and thus, double participation.
Steve Bradford, youth services sergeant for GPD, said the state attorney’s office has noticed a drop in juvenile crime rates in Gainesville during June, July and August when the program is in session.
“It definitely has great benefits compared to the cost,” Bradford said. “The kids have something positive to do.”
Ludovica Weaver, a marketing technician for the City of Gainesville, said registration is free for teens who want to participate.
“It’s a really wonderful opportunity for teenagers to have a place to find other young people and to connect and to do fun things together in a safe and enriching environment,” Weaver said.
[A version of this story ran on page 5 on 4/7/2014 under the headline "Camp seeks donations Final Four-style"]
