11/7/2009 6:45:02 AM

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By Kurt Nesbitt

Post-Bulletin, Austin MN 

Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt got a surprise Thursday when she saw the summary of the United Way's capital campaign for this year.

	90 percent -- Donations that come from workplace campaigns. 57 percent -- How close to United Way's 2009 campaign goal after two months. Dec. 15 -- United Way campaign ends. $518,699 -- Raised to date. $910,000 -- Goal.

'We just wanted to match what we did last year, and we're ahead of that, so I'm pleased with it and I'm optimistic," said Lighthizer-Schmidt, who is director of the United Way of Mower County.

Two months after it was announced, the capital campaign has reached 57 percent of its fundraising goal. Lighthizer-Schmidt said it's the first time she's seen that happen since 2005, when she became director.

Workplace campaigns generally contribute 90 percent of what the capital campaign raises. Two local businesses -- Target and International Paper -- have exceeded their own goals this year. Some workplace campaigns haven't started yet, Lighthizer-Schmidt said.

It all adds up to Lighthizer-Schmidt's optimism about the campaign's prospects for success. The United Way of Mower County aims to raise $910,000 this year.

The United Way funds about 50 non-profit programs in Mower County and receives a great deal of its funding resources from its capital campaign.

"I don't think it really says anything about the economy. I think it says something about local companies, to me. It shows local people are supportive of local programs," Lighthizer-Schmidt said.

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