GAINESVILLE — Centennial Arts Academy students got to see and pet farm animals Friday morning, and they didn’t have to leave the school.

Pony Perfect Party of Gainesville and Truelove Dairy in Clermont provided the animals for the culminating event in the school’s "Read to Feed" campaign.

The school raised $2,200 through an effort that involved students signing up sponsors to pay a certain amount for each book they read. The students exceeded the school’s $500 goal.

"I was amazed — the kids really got into it," said media specialist Sarah Koskovich, who helped coordinate the event.

"I wanted the kids to see the kind of animals that they’re reading (about). ... Some of these kids have probably never seen or touched farm animals."

The money goes to Heifer International, which supplies farm animals and training to impoverished communities.

"It doesn’t just give them a handout. It gives them the animal and training on how to milk the animal, and they can sell the milk to support themselves," Koskovich said.

The organization "always gives female animals that are pregnant, so (those who are benefited) can sell the offspring and pass the gift on to their community."

Centennial held the event in an open area behind the school. Children were able to get up close to a miniature horse, a Sicilian donkey, sheep, an African pygmy goat and a Dutch dwarf rabbit, among other animals.

Students who raised the most money posed for a picture with a horse.

"I like petting all the animals," said second-grader Nicolle Letts, a 7-year-old who raised $310, the largest amount in the school.

"I like to read a lot," she said.

Her mother, Ani Letts, who accompanied her daughter at the event, agreed.

"She’ll check a book out of the library, start reading it in class and then finish it on the bus on the way home," she said. "She loves to read, which is great."

The event was highlighted by Principal Susan Gilliam milking Penelope, a black cow.

"Good job, Penelope," she said as she went about the job.

After a few squirts of milk from one of the cow’s udders, she backed away from the cow, hands in the air.

And, Koskovich kissed a pot-bellied pig.

Students gathered around her as she bent down for the task, chanting "Kiss it, kiss it, kiss it."

The 7-year-old pig didn’t seem so up for the affection, either, moving away as Koskovich drew closer.

"Windy’s backing away," she said. "Windy’s not interested in this."

She was able to plant one on the pig, finally, to the students’ delight.