The Greene County Freedom Rock project reached its first phase of funding with help from a grant.

Last week, the Jefferson City Council approved a $8,850 hotel/motel tax funding grant from their tier three allocation criteria  for the Freedom Rock project. Committee member Dawn Rudolph says the funds will be used to pay for the expenses and the painting materials for when artist Bubba Sorenson comes to Jefferson around October 16th to start painting the rock.

“Thank you to the City of Jefferson with their tourism grant. We’re just elated that we got funded for this project. It was very needed since it’s been moved up six months (to be painted), it kind of put a crunch on some of our fundraising. So we’re very, very appreciative.”

She adds that Cobblestone Hotel Inn and Suites is giving discounted room rates to help with lodging for Sorenson, along with local restaurants also donating part or all of a meal as well.

“Like I’ve always said, when push comes to shove our community does pull together and it’s just wonderful how those things work out.”

A fundraiser meal is planned for the unveiling of the painted rock in October to help with their second phase of the project, which is to install a security camera in light of the recent vandalism that took place.