Leaders and volunteers of the United Way of Freeborn County celebrated the success of the 2009 Live United campaign on Wednesday with a luncheon and open house to thank all those who made it possible.

Though the organization did not meet its campaign goal, it raised more money than ever before — almost $616,000.

“It was nice to have everyone together in a room,” said Ann Austin, local United Way director. “At the campaign kickoff we meet to start the work, and now we come together at the end of the work.”

Austin said board members, volunteers, agency members and campaign members were in attendance.

The group talked about the organization’s initiatives and community involvement throughout the year.

Before the celebration, the organization held its annual meeting.

“It was a lot of fun,” Austin said. “It was a way for people to connect that don’t necessarily see each other a lot.

“It was a really great way to understand that it is about raising money, but it’s more about raising awareness in the community,” she added. “That’s the most important part of this.”

During 2009, the United Way of Freeborn County participated in a variety of activities and initiatives.

It engaged almost 400 community members in Vitality Project workshops and coordinated and encouraged local agency involvement in Give to the Max Day, in which $40,000 was raised for Freeborn County organizations.

It also coordinated and promoted neighborhood parties throughout the community and had its second coloring contest.

The organization launched a volunteer solutions Web site as a resource for engaging community members with volunteer opportunities year-round and worked with the Drug Education Task Force to develop positive messages encouraging youth to make good choices.

It also partnered with the Albert Lea Family Y, Freeborn County Public Health, Albert Lea Medical Center, Communication Education, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city of Albert Lea and community members to encourage long-term environmental and policy changes as part of Pioneering Healthy Communities.

Likewise the local United Way worked with local volunteers and the Minnesota Workforce Center to complete demolition in the Community Cornerstone building for its project of caring.

About 1,600 books were given out to all kindergarten through second-grade students in Freeborn County.

“You can give in so many ways,” Austin said. “Search in your heart and see what you feel drawn to do in the community.”

United Way of Freeborn County agencies helped 11,440 people in 2009.

Currently, the United Way of Freeborn County funds 30 programs for these 19 agencies: Arc of Freeborn County (two programs), Cedar Valley Services (two programs), The Children’s Center, Domestic Abuse Program, Parenting Resource Center (two programs), Senior Resources (five programs), Boy Scouts, Charities Review Council, Circle of Parents, Girl Scouts of River Trails, Red Cross (two programs), Semcac (two programs), Catholic Charities (two programs), Chemical Dependency Center, Crime Victim’s Crisis Center, Lutheran Social Services, Salvation Army, Family Y (two programs) and Adult Basic Education.

Austin said those in attendance at the celebration recognized 2009 campaign Chairman Steve Merfeld for his work leading the campaign.

The following received recognition at the celebration:

Campaign chairman

Champaign Chairman Steve Merfeld was recognized for his work leading the campaign.

Community builders awards

The top five giving companies in each division (based on employee number):

Alamco Wood Products, Albert Lea Electric, Albert Lea Medical Center, Albert Lea Seed House, Albert Lea Select Foods, Alliance Benefit Group, Alliant Energy, American Bank, Cargill Meat Solutions, Crossroads Trailer, Farmers State Bank, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, Herberger’s, Home Solutions Midwest, Independent Service Company, Innovance, Larson Contracting, Minnesota Corrugated Box, Motor Inn, Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, Streater, United Parcel Service, U.S. Bank and Ventura Foods

Employer participation awards

Companies in Freeborn County that had 100 percent employee participation in the 2009 United Way campaign:

Albert Lea Family Y, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, Alliance Benefit Group, American Bank, American Red Cross, Americana Insurance & Investments, Aurora Dental Center, Community Technologies & Services, Farmers State Bank, Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services, Home Federal Savings Bank, Independent Service Company, Security Bank, Senior Resources of Freeborn County, The Children’s Center, United Employees Credit Union and U.S. Bank

Special recognition awards

Most increased employee campaign: Albert Lea Seed House, where employees gave $10,000.

Most generous employee campaign: Albert Lea Select Foods, where employees gave $95,300.

Small business challenge winner: American Bank, raising the most during December with events alone.

Advocate awards

Advocate of the year: Aaron and Nadine Worm and family

Volunteer awards

Volunteer of the year: Charles Netwon

Live United Award: Cargill

Helping Hands Award: Jeshua Erickson, Lori Hawthorne