The goal was to raise $500,000, but in the end, the United Fund of Surry raised $501,321, which was announced last night during the campaign finale at North Surry High School.

When the banquet started, the campaign was still short, but thanks to a 50/50 raffle and a live auction, the goal was met and exceeded.

Surry County Schools was announced as the largest percent increase, the largest monetary increase and the largest employee giving increase. Dr. Ashley Hinson, superintendent of Surry County Schools, was awarded the Chairman’s award. Hinson was the campaign chairman this year.

Sonia Dickerson, Surry County Schools teacher quality coordinator and the school system’s campaign chair, came away with the night’s biggest award with the newly-named Pat Woltz Way to Glow Award.

The system contributed $51,000 to this year’s campaign, which is $19,000 more than last year.

Pat Woltz, who is retiring from the United Fund Board of Directors, due to term limits, was honored during the banquet. During the last six years, she has raised $314,000 for the United Fund. Her name was added to the Way to Glow award name.

The President’s Award this year was given to Jim Lewis by this year’s President Dan Stone.

The Above and Beyond Award this year was given to HanesBrands by United Fund Executive Director Kate Appler.

“You can’t imagine the feeling you get when you go and talk to these people and they are working four days a week earning only $8 an hour and up. And they increased their giving this year,” said Appler.

This year, the United Fund was able to make its goal thanks in part to a $20,000 contribution by Reynolds American, Inc. Another $15,000 was raised in a golf tournament.

Local industries were recognized for going above and beyond. They included CK Technologies, SouthData, Blue Ridge Enterprises, Tammy Joyce Financial, Petroleum Transport, Surrey Bank & Trust, Samet, Payne, Wood, Horton & Company, Scenic Ford, JC Penney, the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce and Surry Publishing Group.

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.