DOBSON — Surry County Schools personnel were honored Thursday for their participation in the United Fund of Surry campaign.

As a whole, the school system raised $32,698 from 18 participating groups. This was an increase of $9,173.44 from last year.

“It only takes a spark to get a fire going and you are the spark,” said Sonia Dickerson, teacher quality coordinator for Surry County Schools. “Times are probably not going to get better for us. It is important for them to know where the money is going and who it’s helping. We did make a difference. Each individual school made a difference.”

The United Fund representatives from 16 of the 17 participating schools were at the Surry County Schools central office to enjoy a celebration on behalf of each of the schools. They were also given a certificate and a gift by the administration for their efforts.

According to Kate Appler, executive director for the United Fund of Surry, Surry County Schools had the No. 1 largest employee campaign in the county by $10,000. Along with that number, Franklin Elementary School collected more money than businesses with 100 employees. The school raised $5,900, an increase of $1,869 from last year.

Westfield Elementary School raised the second largest amount at $3,414. Copeland Elementary School raised the third largest amount at $3,095.

East Surry High School showed the most growth. Central Middle School had 100-percent participation and was the first school to finish its campaign. Cedar Ridge Elementary School won the “Magnificent and Marvelous Award” for raising $3,007, an increase of $1,351.

“We want to take pride in the fact that we did so well. We set a very lofty goal this year. We exceeded that goal,” said Dickerson.

“Because of you, Surry County was able to accomplish what we did,” said Marilyn Lamn, United Fund coordinator for Surry County Schools.

The goal for the entire United Fund of Surry campaign was set at $500,000 for this year. Across the United States, United Fund and United Way campaigns are meeting between 75 percent and 95 percent of their goals. The Surry County campaign is on pace to reach about 90 percent of its goal.

“I am disappointed and encouraged,” said Appler of the campaign as a whole. “It means tremendous things for the families.”

The United Fund board, however, decided at its recent meeting to fund 100 percent of the agencies sponsored by the campaign. It has decided to come up with the rest of the funds on its own to help those promised funding.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.