United Way of Southwest Michigan surpassed its 2011 campaign goal reaching 117 percent of its $3.15 community million goal by raising $3,201,241.

“This is a monumental year for United Way,” said 2011 Campaign Chairman Dave Doetsch. “Not only did we meet our goal of $3.15 million but we exceeded it!

For the second year in a row, we have raised over $3 million. In the 69-year history of United Way of Southwest Michigan, this is the highest amount ever raised. What this means is that now more than ever, when the need is so great, we can help the community live better lives through our work in the areas of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs.”

United Way celebrated the campaign success at an awards celebration Thursday at Lake Michigan College.

The event was attended by many company representatives who received awards for their outstanding contributions to this year’s campaign.

“The campaign success is a true community effort,” said United Way Development Director Sharon Polfus. “United Way was supported by 239 companies in Berrien and Cass counties through either a campaign or a corporate gift,” she explained. “The full campaign includes almost 10,000 individuals who give to United Way and approximately 700 leadership givers who each donate $500 or more to the effort.”

Doetsch also credited the many campaign volunteers and United Way staff for this year’s success. “The success this year is directly due to a great team at the United Way, outstanding volunteers who were so very kind to give their time and energy, and of course the many great business partners and their employees who without their support the success of this year would not have happened,” he said.

This year’s campaign welcomed 30 new businesses that together contributed more than $43,000 to the campaign goal.

“United Way focuses on the areas of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs,” said United Way President Anna Murphy. “I think the addition of that many new businesses shows us that what we are doing is striking a chord with people. They see us working with our funded partners to set goals that are making lasting impact on lives and the community as a whole.”