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Linda Childears, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund (left), and David Wolf, Board Chair of Young Americans Center for Financial Education (right), present the Linda Childears Free Enterprise Award to State Farm’s Greg Rideout (center).
In Young AmeriTowne, students learn about how philanthropy means giving one’s time, talent or treasure to better their community. Long-time Young Americans Center for Financial Education supporter State Farm has done this and so much more. To recognize this commitment, State Farm received the Linda Childears Free Enterprise Award at the annual Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars gala, held Thursday, October 3.
Besides being a top corporate funder of Young Americans Center, countless State Farm volunteers have contributed to student success by spending a day assisting in Young AmeriTowne, speaking at a summer camp, or judging a YouthBiz pitch competition. In fact, State Farm volunteers have donated more than 160 hours in the last three years.
State Farm Agents have also facilitated strong community partnerships, most notably with Aurora Public Schools. In total, 2,177 students have gained a hands-on lesson in free enterprise by participating in AmeriTowne or AmeriTowne On the Road since 2017, thanks to this partnership.
Finally, State Farm Agents have individually supported Young Americans Center through personal gifts. Donations total nearly $1,000, and they support hands-on financial education in Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, and YouthBiz.
At the Spotlight on YouthBiz Stars event, Agency Field Executive Greg Rideout accepted the Linda Childears Free Enterprise Award on behalf of State Farm. “This is truly an honor,” said Greg during the event. “Our support of financial literacy training provides students with avenues to pursue academic pathways.” Greg has witnessed this first-hand in both AmeriTowne and AmeriTowne On the Road.
Bill Daniels wrote, “Image a world where people give of themselves simply because they want to. Not out of a sense of debt. Or because they want something in return. No ulterior motives. No feelings of guilt. Just the desire to give for the sake of giving. Now, instead of imagining this kind of world, do your part in making it happen.” Thank you, State Farm, for leading by example and for your incredible impact on Young Americans.
