Mahatma Gandhi is credited for saying, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Cody Paxman and his wife, Erica, exemplified this when they moved to Celina over two years ago. They knew the best way to get involved in the community was to serve the community, and they hit the ground running.
The Paxmans own the State Farm Insurance Agency in Gunter, and live in Celina. When looking for a place to relocate, the couple drove through many communities, but instantly knew Celina was the place. “We knew immediately when we drove around Celina,” Cody says. Following people’s suggestions, they stopped to eat BBQ in Downtown. As they were talking about how much they loved the community, people overheard the Paxmans and chimed in to encourage them to move to Celina. “It’s crazy how warm people are here. We loved it right away,” Cody continued.
It was that warmth that prompted Cody Paxman to give back to the Celina and Gunter communities. Right away, Cody contacted Gunter Independent School District (ISD) and created the Gunter Football Player of the Week award. Cody delivers a custom “Player of the Week” football after each game. He also provides breakfast for the football team, much to the enjoyment of the players.
Cody was inspired to do more noting that Celina High School basketball would also benefit from recognition, so he created a Player of the Week award for basketball like his program in Gunter. Paxman promises to include this award for the girls’ basketball team next season. He says it is “another way to celebrate the kids and recognize their success to help grow the program.”
Some of the most successful events Cody sponsored this past season was at the Celina basketball home games. He sponsored the “Half Court Shooting Contest”, a raffle contest with proceeds intended to aid the basketball program. The raffle winner attempts to shoot a basket from half court for a chance to win $100. It was great entertainment during half-time and brought in quite the crowd. Cody notes that the best part about one particular night was although the raffle money was supposed to help basketball, it ended up going to the family of a Celina student who was recovering from a serious car accident. Cody laments that it is gratifying that “small things make a big difference.”
The Paxmans don’t just help sports programs. Their most “pop”ular (pun intended) contribution is providing the popcorn for Movies on the Square in downtown Celina. They consider it a bonus for their family as their young toddler enjoys the movies too!
This Spring, he will continue to sponsor and participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt by the Gunter Library. Cody notes that the attendance doubled from when the event started two years ago. It is his goal to help the Town of Gunter create more community events.
The Paxmans have ambitious plans for the charitable future. Those plans include supporting baseball and softball programs, plus a significant event for teachers in August when its back-to-school time. They believe there is ample opportunity to help local teachers in Gunter and Celina, a group that would value the assistance greatly.
Cody considers one of the greatest perks of owning his own insurance business is that it allows him to be involved in the community and give back to the place that provides so much for his own family. “It’s my favorite part of having the business," notes Cody. “It has given us a great opportunity to meet kids, coaches, teachers, and community leaders.”
Cody and Erica Paxman are hardly lost, but definitely understand that losing yourself in service is the only way to win. Both Celina and Gunter communities are grateful for their efforts to continue to give back.
Cody Paxman State Farm
110 S. Hwy 289 Suite 7, Gunter
For a competitive insurance quote, 903-207-4051 or CodyPaxman.com
