Sue McKenna, co-chair of the Petroleum County Community Center board, introduces Larry Carrell to those in attendance at a public meeting to go over three possible plans for the center. Larry and his wife Kathi have chosen to make a donation to the community center that will cover most, if not all, the cost of building it.
We are very pleased to announce that after two years of planning and dreaming, our community center will become a reality. Due to a generous gift of 5 million dollars from Larry and Kathi Carrell of Lewistown, MT., the building can begin.
The Board of Directors for the community center made a public announcement Wednesday evening, October 16th at a meeting with the public and their architectural firm, Slate Architects out of Helena, MT. After three standing ovations Larry answered a few questions from the group, and shared why he wanted to make this tremendous gift to his hometown.
"My heart never left Winnett, even when I did. The idea of a community center was presented last summer during the all school reunion and I thought it would be a good idea to be able to give back to this little town. I would love to see the center function for everyone in our county, especially the youth and future generations to come. I have the ability to give and I just thought it was a good thing to do."
Larry talked about small town community spirit and he felt Winnett still has that going, and wanted to help us out. Larry graduated from Winnett High School in 1958. He acquired his degree in the oil engineering field from University of Wyoming and spent many years in the oil industry, even working on over seas projects.
Larry stated he felt that he had the capability to contribute to the revitalization of the small town of Winnett and is hopeful that this will be an inspiration to others.
Larry's gift is a two part gift: 4.5 million dollars will be donated with no conditions. The second part is a dollar for dollar match of $500,000.00. This donation will allow the community to not only build a facility for the community, but will allow the establishment of an endowment fund to ensure the sustainability of the building for generations to come.
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