PAINT

“For the past 12 years, we’ve been a proud partner of the Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Fresh Paint Days program, providing roughly 11,000 gallons of paint to help communities throughout Oklahoma fill budget gaps,” said Joe Cox, founder and owner of H-I-S Coatings.

“These people, you’d think that you gave them a new building. It’s such a gratifying experience for me. We don’t turn anybody down,” Cox said in an April interview.

Groups, communities or individuals are selected through an application process. Once chosen, designees are provided a stipend for supplies, sponsored by the Public Service Co. of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

In 2016, 49 community structures were restored in 38 communities, with participation in 29 counties.

Applications opened June 1 and close July 31. Paint is delivered in late August, and projects are completed throughout the month of September.

After completion of a paint project, Keep Oklahoma Beautiful conducts the Communities Primed for Change contest, which is based on before and after photos.

In 2016, Cheyenne (Oklahoma) High School Business Professionals of America organization won the contest, earning a $1,000 cash prize.

Go to www. keepoklahomabeautiful.com to download an application.