MOULTRIE — The goal is surpassed and the money is still coming in. That was the announcement Friday about the 2010 United Way Campaign for Colquitt County.

The money raised so far is $437,060. The goal was $420,000.

At the Victory Celebration Luncheon — and in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season — many “thank yous” were on the program.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2010 United Way Victory Luncheon,” said Sonya Aldridge, president of United Way of Colquitt County.

She then introduced Bob Craft who gave the invocation and reminded the audience that the theme was “Advocate, Give and Volunteer.”

Aldridge recognized the member agencies, board members and volunteers by asking them to stand.

“I thank you for what you’ve done. ...Thank you so much for what you do to give, advocate and volunteer,” she said.

She introduced the 2010 campaign chair, Barbara Jelks, who gave the campaign report, noting “There are several key elements that make a successful campaign.”

She said the first was the agencies who do and “excellent job” in the community. She also said it could not be done without the board members and the volunteers. The marketing campaign was also a crucial part, and it was

instrumental in getting the information out, she said. She thanked a few of the businesses for their support in marketing.

Jelks recognized and thanked her co-chair, Donna Lott, and Angela Castellow, the executive director of United Way of Colquitt County.

Then, she asked the audience to stand and applaud themselves, the community and the lives they’ve touched as she gave the amount of money that had been raised.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

Castellow presented awards to the participants for their fundraising efforts.

She said that in February there would be an event to recognize loyal contributors, which are individuals who have given to any United Way for ten years or more.

“I want to thank all of you. You all worked so hard to make this campaign a success,” she said.

She told the group that Colquitt County was a little different than other communities and proceeded to read an e-mail from Patrick McGoldrick, who was a United Way volunteer with Walton County.

McGoldrick wrote that he was participating in a planning group that was trying to determine how they could be a better United Way for their county. On reviewing some 2007 statistics from other organizations around the state, Moultrie jumped out at them because of the high dollar contribution per population number. It was $9.74 in comparison to Walton County’s $3.08, he wrote.

“So he wanted to know what to do to raise that amount of money. I told him volunteers are the key to that success and a giving community. ... We’re almost at $10 per capita. It’s because we have great people really working on it,” said Castellow.

She then announced awards which were handed-out to the various participating companies and organizations. A few of the award are as follows:

• 100% Participation Awards went to Commercial Banking Company, Green Oaks Center, Okapilco Elementary School and Stringfellow Elementary School.

• Over the Top Awards for schools went to Colquitt County Pre-k, Odom Elementary School, Norman Park Elementary School, Sunset Elementary School and Willie J. Williams Middle School.

• Most Improved Campaign Awards went to Dan and Jimmy Jeter who both increased their individual gifts.

• Chairman’s Award went to Riverside Manufacturing.

• Fair Share Award went to Southwest Georgia Bank

• Top Giver Award went to Sanderson Farms

Star Awards, which recognized per capita giving from employees, were also given out at the bronze, silver and gold levels.

“I want to call every name and give everybody something because you all worked so hard,” she said.

Lott, who is the 2011 campaign chair, gave the closing remarks.

“Next year I hope to see many of you back. ...We look forward to a great campaign next year,” she said.