By Karen Colbenson
kcolbenson@postbulletin.com
United Way of Mower County’s 2007 campaign exceeded all expectations, with a total of $915,614 raised.
That’s $5,614 more than the fundraising goal, and $8,267 more than was raised last year.
The announcement was made during the organization’s 49th annual meeting Monday night at the Spam Museum. More than 60 people, including campaign volunteers, partner agencies and board members, attended the meeting and subsequent victory party.
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"We couldn’t have done it without the support of our campaign volunteers," said Carol Holtz, president of the United Way board of directors.
Several businesses were recognized for their outstanding workplace campaigns. The Hormel Corporate Office, Hormel Plant and Quality Pork Processors were recognized for raising more than $100,000 each.
Funds raised will be used to support more than 55 community programs and other initiatives, such as emergency medical technician training, crime victim advocacy, youth development and programming, home building, mental health counseling and employee services, such as transportation to work.
The Success by 6 program, an early childhood initiative that offers scholarships and transportation to children who would not otherwise be able to attend preschool, will be expanded as part of United Way’s 50th year of service. An additional Austin/Mower County Area Transit bus will be added to accommodate the number of children using the service.
"The bus is full," said Holtz.
According to Holtz, one of the goals this year is to increase the amount of money allocated to the community. United Way will sponsor a communitywide assessment this year to identify areas of need.
One area of focus will be the increasing demands for health and human services, according to Mower County Executive Director Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt.
United Way also will partner with First United Methodist Church for the annual winter outerwear drive this year.
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The third annual Day of Caring will be United Way’s next major event. That will be held on May 17.
For more information, go to Postbulletin.com/weblinks.
United Way of Mower County
www.uwmower.org
