Central Elementary receives grant from State Farm

In just 10 days in August, 163,000 people cast 4.4 Million votes in support of their favorite causes. As a result, 40 communities, in 21 states, including Central Elementary School of Guthrie will be getting an assist from State Farm. State Farm is proud to announce the Top 40 vote‐getting causes that will each receive a $25,000 grant to improve their communities.

With this grant, Central Elementary School will be able to purchase new playground equipment.

“The faculty, staff, and students at Central Elementary would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for our cause. We are extremely excited about the new and updated equipment that we will be adding to our
playground. We appreciate having such a supportive community that wants the best for our students,” said Dani Watson, Principal at Central Elementary School.

Guthrie State Farm agent Kevin Craft said, “I’m pumped that our amazing community has shown the nation two years in a row how we pull together for the kids of Guthrie. I love that I represent State Farm and their commitment to help assist neighborhoods like ours. Working with the schools and community leaders to bring $50,000 to Guthrie Public Schools has been the highlight of my career! Thanks to everyone that voted and helped get the word out.”

Guthrie Superintendent, Dr. Mike Simpson thanked several for their work in securing the grant, “The work of local State Farm Agent Kevin Craft, Courtney McLemore with the Logan County Health Department, Principal Dani Watson and Central Counselor Megan Campbell was key to publicizing the need and continually reminding our community to vote. These funds over the past two years have made the impossible possible.”

Two thousand cause submissions were accepted in June. The State Farm Review Committee selected the Top 200 finalists and public voting determined the Top 40. In the eight years of the program, more than 300 causes have received a total of $8 million to enact change in their communities.

State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a crowd‐sourced philanthropic program that empowers communities to identify issues in their neighborhoods. Non‐profits affiliated with each of the top 40 causes receive grants to address them.

A presentation is planned at the end of the first quarter of the Guthrie High School football game this Friday night with Piedmont. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.