Fair Gets ‘Hometown Grant’ from T-Mobile for $50,000

Ceremony Held on Courthouse Lawn; This Grant Was Part of $25 Million Being Given out Nationally to Small Towns

Representatives from TMobile awarded the Fayette County Fair Association a $50,000 Hometown Grant. They presented the check in front of the Fayette County Courthouse on Thursday, July 17.

The wireless phone carrier has committed to investing $25 million in 500 rural towns over five years to jumpstart projects and build stronger communities. The Fayette County Fair Association will use the award to help pay for the new food court at the Fayette County Fairgrounds.

“I want to express our deepest appreciation to T-Mobile for their generosity and foresight,” Fair Association President Michael Zuhn said during the presentation. “This $50,000 grant is more than a gift. It’s an investment in our future.”

Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller was on hand for the ceremony. He welcomed the team of T-Mobile representatives to Fayette County and congratulated the Fair Directors for this milestone.

“Year in and year out, the Fair is something the entire County enjoys,” Mueller said. “All of this dedication that you directors put in, I know it’s all volunteer. So thank you. I know we’re going to have a very good fair this year.”

La Grange Mayor Jan Dockery thanked T-Mobile for their investment in the community.

“We humbly accept this generous T-Mobile Hometown Grant and are very honored that with their help, this project will continue to move forward,” Dockery said.

Dockery recognized the Fair Association leadership and members, whom she said “work all year long to make sure our County Fair is still one of the best County Fairs in Texas.”

T-Mobile Market Manager Rick Molina spoke to the crowd about the Hometown Grant Program. Molina also announced T-Mobile’s newest community program, “Friday Night 5-G Lights.”

“It just launched today,” Molina said. “For any local schools, La Grange High School being one of those, but also any in the surrounding areas, they are able to earn additional money for their football team.”

T-Mobile will award a $5,000 prize to 450 schools across the nation. Then, 25 finalists will each score $25,000 to upgrade their football programs. Finally, on October 30, one school will be crowned the grand prize winner. That school will win up to $1 million to remodel their football field.

Several leaders from surrounding communities were in attendance, including Schulenburg Mayor Connie Koopmann and Ellinger Mayor Matt Mikulenka. Molina encouraged them to apply for a Hometown Grant as well.

“For T-Mobile, our hope is that the money will be put to good use,” Molina said.