Last-minute donations pushed the 2006 United Way fund drive to its highest amount ever.
The tally last Thursday — the day the campaign finish was announced — was $602,363.90. Early this week, more donations came in, said Duane Dreiling, director of United Way of the Flint Hills.
The campaign officially raised $606,300, Dreiling said.
“It’s awesome,” said Dreiling. “To exceed the goal two years in a row is an amazing feat in our community.”
Dreiling said the money raised will allow more funding for United Way agencies.
“That does allow us to continue funding,” Dreiling said. “Last year we were able to increase funding to those agencies. This means that we will be able to continue those funding levels to adequately fund 24 agencies within United Way of the Flint Hills.”
This year’s drive chairman was Chris Walker of The Emporia Gazette. Next year’s drive chair will be Larie Schoap of Lyon County State Bank.
Donations over the years:
2006 — Goal: $600,000
Raised: $606,300
2005 — Goal: $600,000
Raised: $603,971
2004 — Goal: $700,000
Raised: $553,435
2003 — Goal: $600,000
Raised: $577,433
2002 — Goal: $585,000
Raised: $560,391
2001 — Goal: $585,000
Raised: $564,975
2000 — Goal: $625,000
Raised: $564,468
1999 — Goal: $600,000
Raised: $603,420
1998 — Goal: $600,000
Raised: $586,556
1997 — Goal: $528,900
Raised: $539,138
1996 — Goal: $525,000
Raised: $531,531
1995 — Goal: $549,220
Raised: $534,857
The United Way of the Flint Hills 2006 drive campaign raised its highest amount ever in its recently completed fund drive.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the agency had received pledges and money totalling $606,300, compared to $603,971 in 2005. Both this year’s and last year’s goal were set at $600,000. That amount was exceeded both years.