Over a period of 10 days in August, 167,000 people cast 4.5 million votes in support of their favorite causes through the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Program.

As a result, 40 communities in 19 states will be assisted, including The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center in Mocksville, which received $25,000.

The Dragonfly House’s “Building Hope & Healing Campaign” is focused on the new facility on Valley Road in Mocksville. Children age birth to 17 who are victims of abuse or neglect are served at the center, including victim advocacy, court advocacy, forensic interviews, child abuse medical examinations, mental health treatment, coordinated case reviews and community education.

The campaign was embraced by local State Farm Ambassadors Mark Hutson, Darryl Bandy and Brad Romine.

“We still find ourselves in awe at the support that was shown to us and these three State Farm agents really stepped up to the plate and advocated for votes towards this nominated project,” said Dragonfly House Director Brandi Reagan. “There are no words to describe the joy and excitement throughout our agency at receiving this award and realizing how many people took the time to vote for us – 10 times a day, every day for 10 days. Social media has so much negativity associated with it right now, but this is a very positive outcome from social media and shows the power of virally spreading goodwill to support a mission.”

Rene Crawford, Dragonfly development director, said she was overwhelmed at the amount of people who reached out directly to her, voted, and shared the cause.

“I hope everyone understands that this wasn’t just a log in and vote situation, but rather this meant something to us. This made a difference towards our campaign and could have never been accomplished without so much support,” Crawford said. “Hundreds of people took the time to make this happen every day during the voting period.”

She said people from cities all over North Carolina and at least four other states participated in the voting frenzy.

The agency thanked its supporters at an event last week at The Stables at RiverView.

“We wanted the chance to reach out and shake the hands of those who voted for us,” Crawford said.

“State Farm is here to help life go right in the neighborhoods all across the country,” said Allison Bertsche, State Farm public affairs director. “We look forward to seeing the changes in these 40 communities because of these Neighborhood Assist grants.”

This is the first time The Dragonfly House won such an award.