MUSCLE SHOALS – Young & Free® Alabama, powered by Listerhill Credit Union, has announced the winners in “Cash for Your Cause,” which awards $4,000 to local not-for-profit organizations.

Ten participants entered their 60-second videos at YoungFreeAlabama.com for public viewing and voting. Central Elementary School garnered nearly 25% of the 4,000 votes cast to win $3,000 toward their cause. Shoals Christian School and the Phil Campbell Memorial Project were each awarded $500 as runners-up.

With help from Central Elementary administration, representatives from Listerhill along with Young & Free spokesman, Lee Taylor, surprised students and teachers gathered in the school gymnasium. Principal Keith Morris carried in the large check after Taylor informed the crowd that the school’s video submission had won the $3,000 first prize.

The contest win was especially satisfying for the school, which has not received funding for new library books in three years. Central Elementary used to receive about $8,000 a year from the state, according to Library and Media Specialist Janice Gunderson.