“We knew our goal was aggressive, increasing 5 percent from last year, but we knew the need and hoped to be able to realize that goal,” said incoming United Way President Daryl Castona. “We are certainly grateful to all of our loyal donors, especially in this economy. We have achieved 95 percent of our goal…that’s still an A, anyway you look at it!”

With the money raised, the Northwoods United Way will help fund 37 different programs from 34 area human service agencies. The Northwoods United Way is committed to helping agencies solve problems in our community.

“We know that money doesn’t always solve everything,” said Tracy Beckman, Executive Director for the United Way. “We’ve been working very hard to bring agencies and their resources together, so they can help one-another when times are tough. We have on-going development strategies that help agencies network, learn and realize the importance of their community contacts in servicing their clients.”

While the United Way did not make the 2011 goal, they did plan accordingly. Agencies are not notified of the amounts they will receive as allocations until after the campaign is complete.

For more information about the Northwoods United Way, visit northwoodsunitedway.org.