Jeff and Dana VanAutreve are known for their carpet store business in downtown Princeton, Illinois called Johnson's Carpet Shoppe, but both people are also becoming known for the space on the second floor of their building too.
"When we've had our community hit with suicides, that's kind of what's led us to want to help to be a place that kids can come to," Dana said.
Two years ago, Dana and Jeff put together 'The Second Story,' a place where high school students suffering from depression, can hang out in a safe place and just have a bit of fun. 'The Second Story' is on the second floor of their business.
"Friday nights are our sports related kids coming here," Dana said. "Saturday nights are more of our concerts."
Jeff and Dana both say the concerts have become a big hit. On Wednesday, October 14, 2015, they showed us some of the concert videos they've posted on their Second Story Facebook Page. Dana says that people like Kayla Bailey and former NFL player Keith O'Neil have played at their building. Due to the big impact Jeff and Dana have had, their friend Kristi Slutz wanted to give back, by nominating them for a Pay It Forward Award, sponsored by News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union.
Jeff and Dana say they're trying to do more activities now for seventh and eighth graders. They say, that's when bullying is happening more in schools. So far, they say they've been very successful with the upper floor of their carpet business. Johnson's Carpet Shoppe is located at 1033 North Main Street in Princeton, Illinois.
If you know of someone doing great things in the community, nominate them for a Pay It Forward Award, by clicking here.