$250,000 donated to Bloomington community center in honor of Willie Brown

Posted on April 7, 2022

BLOOMINGTON – A quarter of a million dollars is going to a local community center in honor of a longtime public servant to the Twin Cities.

State Farm held a special ceremony Wednesday, looking back on the life of former executive Willie Brown.

In his name, the company presented a check for $250,000 to the Western Avenue Community Center, which will go toward youth programs, field trips and outreach services.

“As a youngster, he was at the center when I started going there. He was friendly then, as he has been friendly to everyone in the community since then,” said Michael Jones, board president for Western Avenue Community Center and a close friend of Brown’s. “I will always remember the smile that he had on his face.”

Jones added it is the largest gift ever given to the center, and he said he wants to use it in reflection of the kindness and leadership qualities Brown exemplified.

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