May 22, 2013
DOTHAN, AL--"Well I don't mean to toot our own horns but lets."
It's a toot that keeps-on giving,
"Effective immediately our number is $2,501,324," said Campaign Chair Mary Beth Maddox.
That number is more than expected.
On August 1, 2012 Wiregrass United Way set a $2.5 million campaign goal.
"Because we surpassed our 2.5 million dollar goal we're actually going to get an additional $400,000," said Maddox.
That's all part of a promise kept.
The Wiregrass Foundation challenged the group to reach their goal by agreeing to contribute that $400,000 after they reached the 2.5 million.
"Making our grand total $2, 901,324," added Maddox.
The money will help 37 agencies across 5 counties.
"There's just so many needs out there, the food bank, no one wants to see someone go hungry, especially our senior citizens, those people need assistance and there's just so many ways these agencies help," said Wiregrass United Way CEO Walter Hill.
Organizers say it's all thanks to a dedicated team and a caring community.
"I like to say if you explain the need people in southeast alabama will give and they've proven it over and over again," added Hill.
And it's an achievement Wiregrass United Way hopes to reach over and over again.
Organizers say it took about 1000 volunteers working to get donations.
Majority of the money came from payroll deductions, from people around the Wiregrass.
Organizers say the $2.5 million goal was created based on the need in the 37 agencies the United Way serves.
