A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at Butler Elementary Wednesday prior to the Clear Fork Local Valley Schools’ board of education meeting. The ceremony was held for the newly installed playground equipment specifically designed to be handicap accessible.
The playground project was made possible through the collaborated efforts of the community and local key individuals including the board members, local businesses and the parents club. The grant was also made possible through a grant written by Kelly Donaldson of Butler titled “Access for all Kids.”
Principal of Butler Elementary Matt Caputto began the ceremony, held on the playground, by saying, “There are so many people to thank who made this possible and I couldn’t thank them enough.” He added, “I am truly astounded by the generosity of this community. Never have I witnessed a community come together so quick and make something happen for their children like this.”
Individuals who were instrumental to the playground project were formally recognized by the board members with a letter of appreciation. The names included adults, and local businesses that supported the project by means of donations, labor, materials and time.
Board president Gary Mathes noted, “This list of names is incredible; it’s all kids and adults here in Butler. It is a testament that the valley is indeed a great place to live.”
Some of those recognized included Tom Ellis of Shelley & Sands, coach Randy Pore, Liberty Lawn Care, Butler Mayor Kevin Carr, Rusty and Valerie Gehrisch, Randall Freeman, Intervention Specialist Monica Stillion, Brent Miller, Bruce Sexton and more were thanked for their support and generosity.
Caputto gave special thanks to Clorox for their sponsorship of the project through the “Power a Bright Future” grant program. The company donated a grant of $25,000.
“That was the spark that lit the flames, and there was no turning back from there,” said Caputto of the grant money received from Clorox.
At the close of the ceremony, Caputto stated, “I am totally impressed with all the work that went into this project. This community is the tops when it comes down to generosity. Thank you all.”
The ceremony on the playground was followed by a slide show presentation of the project as it happened, the crowd was invited to watch and the board members proceeded to their regularly scheduled meeting.
Interim superintendent Matt Caputto stated, “I am totally impressed with all the work that went into this project. This community is the tops when it comes down to generosity. Thank you all.”
