United Way of McLean County President/CEO Greg Cott and 2012 Campaign chair Barb Baurer celebrate another goal surpassed. (photo by Zach Dietmeier/WJBC)

By Zach Dietmeier

NORMAL - The United Way of McLean County once again surpassed its annual campaign goal in 2012.

Thanks to participation from 400 different partner businesses and organizations the campaign raised $4,351,038 between August and January. United Way of McLean County President and CEO Greg Cott said it was close.

"We hit the goal and it's more than we raised last year," Cott said. "Anytime you hit like that it's a great tribute to the community and their willingness to give an understanding of what United Way is doing to advance the common good."

This year's goal was $4,350,000. Campaign Chair and Country Financial Chief Operating Officer Barb Baurer was excited to reach the goal.

"I think when you can raise over $4.35 million during a campaign and you think about the good fortune that brings to the community to impact and just make lives better it's exciting," Baurer said.

Every dollar stays in McLean County to help in the areas of education, income and health. Baurer will pass the torch to Roger Hunt of the Community Cancer Center for 2013. That campaign starts in August.

Cott said he's always thankful for the extra local support.

"The companies ran giving campaigns and corporate donations," Cott said. "A lot of people in the community stepped and really move the community forward by making it a better place for everybody to live."

Baurer said the more money the United Way can raise the more areas the organization can help.

"Not only do we get to fund the programs that we already get to fund in the community but we also get to think about funding additional programs," Baurer said. "Every dollar goes back to help people here."

Despite the current celebration, ideas for the next campaign are already forming.

"It will predominantly be focused around education and trying to get more kids to graduate high school," Cott said. "It will focus on self sufficiency for low income families and also on trying to improve the health of the entire community."

Zach Dietmeier can be reached at zach.dietmeier@cumulus.com.