NEW BUSINESS  9.

COMMITTEE MEMORANDUM

HISTORY:

In November 2018, the General American Capital Partners LLC (GACP)   partnered with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to merge the world of soccer, fashion and philanthropy for the first annual Celebrity Beach Soccer Match benefiting Best Buddies, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated  to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The charity event featured a 7 v. 7 exhibition match with celebrities, athletes and SI Swimsuit models. Tickets were $50 and $200 (VIP).

ANALYSIS:

The 2019 event is planned for Saturday, Nov. 23rd from 11am - 2am.

The organizers have requested a VCA grant of $30k and are also seeking $50k City sponsorship to upgrade tent, allow for free entry, Best Buddies employment opportunities, and a youth competition.

Organizers shared that their 2018 costs were approximately $220k.

For 2019, the festival projects the following:

Total Expenses - $194,000.00

Total Revenues from ticket sales and sponsorships - $308,000.00 ($150,000 in ticket sales, and $203,000 in sponsorships.)

They have approached a number of sponsors, large and small, as well.  North Bay Village is contributing $10k.

The total cost of the 2018 Celebrity Beach Soccer Match special event fees included:

See Attachment 1 for the 2019 event budget.

Pursuant to Sec. 12-7(a) of Chapter 12 (Arts, Culture and Entertainment) of the City Code, any request for City Sponsorship of an event of $25,000 or more shall only be considered through the City Commission's annual budget process. All other requests for City sponsorship, pursuant to 12-7(b) shall require "(I) an advisory recommendation of the Finance and Citywide Projects Committee; and (ii) by a five-sevenths (5/7th) vote, of the City Commission," and 12-7(c) states that 'in considering approval of a Sponsorship for an event, "the City Commission may consider (I) whether the event organizer has exercised good-faith diligent efforts to apply for grant funding that may be available from the City's Visitor and Convention Authority ("CVA" or Cultural Arts Council ("CAC"); (ii) the Event organizer's history and performance in delivering quality Events, (iii) any benefits being directly provided to the general public with respect to the Event, such as free or discounted tickets to persons residing in the City of Miami Beach, seniors, veterans, or member of disadvantaged groups; (iv) whether the event is accessible to the general public (either as a ticketed event or otherwise); (v) the demonstrable economic impacts associated with the Event; (vi) the demonstrable media commitments secured by the Event organizer for the Event; or (vii) the efforts undertaken by the Event organizer to mitigate any quality of life impacts associated with the Event, including noise, littering, traffic or parking impacts associated with an Event."

The event consideration for sponsorship would meet the guidelines in the following manner:

1. Has the event applied for CAC or VCA? Yes, requested $30k from VCA

2. How many years has the event been active on Miami Beach? ONE (1) YEAR

3. Does the event generate significant room nights on Miami Beach?  NO - appx 200 non guaranteed rooms.

4. What is the public benefit provided by the event?  Allow for free entry, Best Buddies employment opportunities, and a youth competition.

CONCLUSION:
The administration recommends an in kind donation of permit fee waivers, not to exceed $20,226.49 (as per 2018 finals), and further recommends that the producers continue to secure additional funding and sponsorship via the VCA granting system, which is funded by the City of Miami Beach.