MARION -- Tryphosia Lee, organizer of the Young Hearts with Goals and Purpose Banquet, wants the City of Marion to double down on its support for the annual academic honors dinner for schoolchildren, asking on Monday night for the City Council to sponsor up to 20 tables plus the use of The Pavilion.
In the past, the council has supported the Young Hearts by sponsoring 10 tables, at cost of $120 apiece.
Mayor Anthony Rinella was hesitant to offer the dinner more support. He said the use of The Pavilion is another $4,000 cost borne by the city, and that the dinner ties up the facility for two days.
"It's not that we don't want to help. We have to be mindful of our monies," Rinella said, pointing out that the council donates to other causes, such as Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge, all of which must be budgeted.
Commissioner Angelo Hightower wondered if more could be done to support the Young Hearts.
Rinella suggested that the council agree to a donation of $1,500 plus the use of The Pavilion, and give a bit more if the funds were available.
"I'd make that in the form of a motion," Hightower replied.
Commissioner John Goss seconded. "It's worth increasing a little bit," Goss said.
The vote was 5-0, with Rinella, Hightower, Goss and commissioners Doug Patton and Steve Webb, in agreement.
The 20th Annual Young Hearts with Goals and Purpose Banquet is set for 1 p.m. on May 11 at The Pavilion.
