Posted: Friday, Jan 18, 2008 - 10:12:27 am CST

United Way reaches goal early By CHRIS WALLER The Fulton Sun   Even though the temperature outside keeps falling, the thermometer in front of the Callaway County courthouse has reached the top. The United Way of Callaway County announced Thursday that it has officially reached its yearly fundraising goal of $220,000. The goal was reached only 16 days into the year. According to Executive Director Katy Richey Liddle this is “unusually early, usually we don't reach our goal until the end of February or the beginning of March.” Former president Peg Dzicek said that hearing the news so early was a relief for the organization. “This is the earliest that we have made our goal in the last few years,” Dzicek said. “This is great for us because part of the contract that we sign with the agencies we fund is that if we cannot make our goal by a certain time, some funds have to be cut.” The United Way serves several agencies in the area that provide needed human services to the general population. These agencies include national organizations such as The American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts, as well as local groups such as Callaway County 4-H and SERVE. According to a press release, the money raised by the United Way will provide more than 200 services to 10,000 residents of the county. “We are so grateful to this community,” president Cathi Miller-Harris said in the press release. “The important work that is done every day in this community is obviously a priority not only to us, but to the thousands of people who gave their hard earned dollars to keep it going.”   Dzicek said that a majority of the donations received came from individuals who feel the need to help their community. “Most of the money comes from employee campaigns at the state hospital and businesses all over Callaway County,” Dzicek said. “They can give one time donations or monthly donations that go directly to the United Way, which make up about 60 to 65 percent of what we get. It's the little guys that make the difference; we appreciate the corporations, but the average joes are the ones that keep us going.” The funds for this year have already been allotted, and the money will begin the process of being distributed around the county. The United Way will hold hearings in May to determine which agencies deserve next year's funds, which will come from a fundraiser with a yet to be determined goal. As far as the board of directors are concerned, the break before it starts preparing for next year's campaign will be a minimal one. “Now we know we have all the funding and that all our bases for this year are covered,” Dzicek said. “Now we can start on next year.”