The United Way of Mower County had lots to cheer about Thursday night during its victory party for the 2017-2018 campaign.

And that was, in a word, victory.

The campaign reached its goal, raising $1,252,291, reported director Diana Baker.

“It’s all about community,” said Baker in front of the crowd at the Austin ArtWorks Center Thursday night. Volunteers and donors gathered there to celebrate.

“It’s about where we live and where we work – and you make it happen.”

She said that this year’s campaign included 21 corporate gifts and 27 employee campaigns, whose average gift was $230.

“Donors, you are what make us work so hard,” said Baker.

Baker and staff talked about the highlights of the campaign year, which included work in the areas of health, income, education and basic needs.

One big one was the redesigned Day of Caring which last fall focused on one major project — Catherwood Child Care.

At Catherwood, 120 volunteers took part, putting in 500 volunteer hours.

“We are more than fundraisers, we are hand raisers,” Baker declared.

The staff also briefly touched on other initiatives, or programs United Way supported, such as Success By Six, Community Connect, and First Children’s Finance, which is working to address the shortage of childcare in the county.

Baker also asked volunteers to talk a bit about why they volunteer their time for United Way.

Lee Bjorndal spoke about wanting to make a difference as long as “there are unmet needs in the community,” he said.

Sally Baker said she and her husband chose to support United Way because it provides “a very efficient use of your philanthropic dollars,” adding that you can support United Way without worrying about its integrity.

“It’s already been vetted,” she said.

Stephanie Postma says her involvement gives back, too.

“I get to hear the stories first-hand about how it (United Way) changes people’s lives. That means a lot.”