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"p9 ' <br />F �P6O� 4 <br />City of Sunny Isles Beach <br />18070 Collins Avenue <br />Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160 <br />(305) 947-0606 City Hall <br />(305) 949-3113 Fax <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners <br />FROM: Fabiola Stuyvesant, Commissioner <br />DATE: September 18, 2025 <br />RE: Resolution Approving the issuance of a Keyto the Cityto Michael Capponi <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />This resolution is presented for consideration. <br />REASONS: <br />This resolution recognizes Mr. Michael Capponi selfless philanthropic leadership through the Global <br />Empowerment Mission (GEM) an organization that serves as a beacon of hope in times of despair for <br />millions facing unimaginable crises. <br />Particularly remarkable is his courageous on -the -ground, on-going aid in Ukraine amid the devastating <br />Russian invasion, where GEM leads all international agencies in food security according to the United <br />Nations, delivering over 1,744 trucks of aid to 3.2 million families, to Gaza's desperate streets, where it <br />ranks as the 4th largest food distributor. Mr. Capponi's work brings hope amid immeasurable suffering. <br />His efforts shine in Haiti, rebuilding lives after the 2010 earthquake and 2021 disasters; in Texas, rushing <br />aid during the 2025 Kerr County floods; and across South America, from Brazil's 2024 floods to <br />Venezuela's refugee crisis. <br />What makes GEM's impact so profound is its extraordinary efficiency: with a small, dedicated staff of <br />just a few dozen, GEM turns 97 cents of every donated dollar directly into life-saving aid, free from the <br />bureaucratic red tape that slows government agencies, often deploying help within hours of a disaster. <br />Mr. Capponi's rapid, heartfelt response stands in stark contrast to the multi -agency delays of <br />government efforts. <br />Through his unwavering commitment, Mr. Capponi has touched millions of lives, delivering not just <br />essential supplies but also dignity, resilience, and a renewed sense of humanity to those enduring <br />Item Number: 9.AC <br />686 <br />