The 2017 campaign for the United Way of Mower County came in just shy of its $1.2 million goal, but organizers were “thrilled” with the response, nonetheless, said Executive Director Diana Baker on Wednesday.

And “just shy” is more than accurate: The campaign came in just $100 short of the total, at about $1,199,000.

“Even if we didn’t hit our goal, which was lofty … it says a lot about the giving nature of this community. I am thrilled,” said Baker, during the end-of-campaign celebration at the Hormel Historic Home.

Baker said a large part of the credit goes to the 24 employee campaigns conducted this season.

“They’re doing the work … and spreading the mission,” she said.

Platinum recognition, whose employees pledged at least $250 a piece, was given to CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, and the Hormel Foods Corporate office.

Gold recognition was given to McFarland Truck Lines ($150 per capita); silver recognition to Austin Public Utilities, Davis, Thoen and Kramer and Associates and Quality Pork Processing ($100 per capita); and bronze recognition to the Hormel Plant, Hill, Larson and Walth, and Parenting Resource Center ($50 per capita).

Corporate support from Mayo Health System, The Hormel Foundation and McFarland Truck Lines were also recognized, as were those who had significant increased giving, including Austin Public Utilities, Bellisio Foods and Grand Meadow Public Schools. Tocqueville Society members include Jeffrey and LeeAnn Ettinger and Jim and Tammy Snee.

Other awards included Funded Program Excellence — Hormel Historic Homes-Autism Camps; Exceptional Collaborative Partners Award — SMART, Parenting Resource Center, Austin Aspires-Success by Six Collaborative; and United Way Volunteer of the Year Award — Kathy Huffman and Michelle Meiergerd.