DAPHNE, Ala.—Stephen Penry was selected as a winner of the “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” program.

Penry presented the $2,500 check to board members of the Rileigh and Raylee Angel Ride foundation at a ceremony on Tuesday in Summerdale.

The foundation raises funds to help families with children who have special medical needs. Since the foundation was started in 2002, more than 700 families have received assistance.

In a press release, Penry said he was excited he won, but he was also pleased the Angel Ride Foundation could benefit as well.

“Not only will this award benefit the Angel Ride Foundation, but it will also gibe recognition to a great charity that some people may not know much about.” said Penry. 

The grant program gives farmers in 1,200 counties the opportunity to select their favorite local non-profit organizations to win the prize money through the Monsanto Fund. Through the fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities anticipates more than $3 million will be awarded to non-profit organizations.

Penry was one of only nine winners chosen from Alabama for the 2011 contest.

For more information about the Angel Ride Foundation visit www.angelride.org.