For the first time in five years, United Way of Greater Lorain County has hit its fundraising goal and surpassed it.

The agency’s 2007 campaign raised $2,842,824.95, which is $92,000 more than its $2.75 million goal, said Executive Director Gerald Skully.

Given the tough economic climate in the county and around the nation, Skully said the nonprofit agency had set a realistic goal for its most recent fundraising drive, which funds 52 health and human service programs at nearly 30 agencies in the county.

“When we looked at what the economy was like we figured this was as good as we could get, and we’d be hard-pressed to do that,” Skully said.

The amount raised impressed Skully, and he said it showed  United Way’s work in the community has been noticed.

“I’d hold up this increase in our type of economy against anybody around,” he said. “This speaks to the community’s belief in us and what we’re doing.”

Skully was also pleased by the number of contributors helping United Way reach its goal.

The just-completed fundraising effort had 21 Lorain County companies and organizations register 100 percent employee contributions and more than 10,000 individual contributors, nearly 300 of whom gave $1,000 or more.

Skully praised the generosity of companies and individuals.

“These corporations stuck with us and made provisions for us. They’re facing challenges, too,” he said. “They know hard times and feel compelled to help.”

Although the number of workers in the county has gone down due to unemployment, Skully said that may have spurred people to help as the economy continues to struggle.

“People who never thought they’d be looking for a job are looking for jobs,” Skully said. “Family and children’s needs are escalating, and there are a whole lot of seniors who need services. It’s just not going away.”

The 2007 Community Spirit Award was given to PolyOne Corp. and the Community Impact Award went to the Nordson Corp. The Caring Heart Award went to Maria Zolli for “exceptional volunteer service.”

Funding request proposals from agencies served by United Way are being reviewed, Skully said.

 The agency will announce amounts of money going to specific organizations and agencies at its May board meeting.

“They’re visiting agencies now and seeing what monies they’re asking for which programs. Not everyone will get the same dollars,” he said. “We’ll see what results are achieved by whom.”

Contact Steve Fogarty at 329-7146  or sfogarty@chroniclet.com.

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