PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Local State Farm agent John J. Harvell has sponsored Pizza ‘n Art for Teens & Tweens every month at the Wintergreen Arts Center since June 2016, and recently secured the second $1,500 matching grant for Wintergreen from the his corporation, the State Farm Companies Foundation.
Harvell secured the first $1,500 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.”
Wintergreen’s party and event planner, Amy Joy Berube, spearheads the Pizza ‘n Art for Teens & Tweens. Each month she 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 and the company’s matching grants, along with other sponsors including the Presque Isle Police Department, the cost of these events for youth have remained half price, at $15 per student.
“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,” Harvell said. “Without Wintergreen, I’m confident many in Presque Isle, and the greater area, would be without any art in their lives.”
