Secures second $1,500.00 matching grant from State Farm Companies Foundation
Presque Isle, Maine—State Farm Agent John J. Harvell has been sponsoring Pizza ‘n Art for Teens & Tweens every month at the Wintergreen Arts Center since June 2016. Harvell believes in art programming for local youth and recently secured the second $1,500.00 matching grant for Wintergreen from the State Farm Companies Foundation.
Harvell secured the first $1,500.00 State Farm Companies Foundation matching grant for the Center in January 2017.
“John Harvell is the reason our teens and tweens events thrive at Wintergreen,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director. “John recognized immediately that we needed to reduce the cost to the kids if our programs were going to survive. So, he not only opened up his own wallet and gave personally, he continues to do so, and doubles his contributions through this very generous matching grant program from the State Farm Companies Foundation.”
Pizza ‘n Art for Teens & Tweens is spearheaded by Wintergreen Party & Event Planner Amy Joy Berube. Each month Berube works with accomplished artists to create a night of creativity and fun for local area youth. The art activities range from painting with acrylics, string art, tie-dye art, and more.
Because of Harvell’s lead sponsorship coupled with the State Farm Companies Foundation matching grants, and other sponsorships, including the Presque Isle Police Department, the cost of these events for youth have remained half price, at $15.00 per student.
When thanked by Wintergreen for his sponsorship and securing the matching grant, Harvell said, “I am proud to work for a company that supports local endeavors such as the Wintergreen Arts Center. Thank you for all the work you put into making the Star City just a little bit brighter. Without Wintergreen, I’m confident many in Presque Isle, and the greater area, would be without any art in their lives.”
PHOTO: State Farm Agent John Harvell visits with Wintergreen preschool students (left to right) Isaiah Harvell, Casey Greenlaw, and Collin Robertson.
About Wintergreen Arts Center: The Wintergreen Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006. It is located in downtown Presque Isle, Maine. Wintergreen is an organization based on the idea that creativity, advocacy, and community can produce great things. Our mission is to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation, and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome.