The United Way of Central Missouri exceeded its 2017 community fundraising goal of $1,875,000 by almost $200,000, the organization announced Thursday.
By the time the campaign season wraps up in December, campaign leaders said, they will have potentially raised $2,073,865.
"This is certainly a milestone for the United Way and for our community," local United Way President Ann Bax said. "We did it. We proved that if we can dream it, we can do it" - referencing the campaign's Disney theme.
Campaign co-chairs Ryan Freeman, owner of Freeman Mortuary, and Jayne Dunkmann, marketing director at Jefferson Bank, led the fundraising efforts and played a key role in highlighting how community members can make magic happen for the most vulnerable populations in the community.
During Thursday's breakfast celebration, the team noted the United Way Pacesetter campaign involved the support of 32 local businesses that helped raise $935,402 - 49.8 percent of the community campaign goal.
"When we're immersed in the campaign, it becomes very obvious that we win by living united," Dunkmann said. "We forge unlikely partnerships; find new solutions to old problems; and inspire individuals to join the fight for the health, education and financial stability for every person in our community."
The seven divisions were represented Thursday by United way supporters dressed as the seven dwarfs from the Disney movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
Those divisions include:
Pacesetters helped raise $935,402.
Professionals helped raise $64,459.
Special givers and events, including retirees and supporters who do not have the opportunity to give through the workplace, raised $85,657.
Small businesses helped raise $83,426.
Public service providers helped raise $102,366.
Large/major firms helped raise $682,555.
The Missouri State Charitable Campaign is projected to help raise $120,000.
"This projected campaign total means we will be able to fulfill our commitments to our partner agencies. And equally exciting, we will explore the possibility of continuing one-time grants to the community," Freeman said. "This campaign total means that the United Way can continue to meet the needs in Central Missouri."
The United Way of Central Missouri allocates funds for 25 partner agencies across seven counties, also providing one-time Community Support Grants to partner and non-partner agencies to address immediate unmet needs.