(STURGIS) – It was another successful campaign for the St. Joseph County United Way.

The United Way held their Victory Celebration for Campaign 2024 Wednesday at the Sturges-Young Center For The Arts. The fundraising goal for the campaign was just over $1.2 million. The total amount raised was $1,370,877.

Special events accounted for almost $518,000 of the total amount raised, which is approximately 38% of the total. Special events included the WBET Radiothon, Mega Raffle, Silent Auction, Golf Outings, Raffles and the Celebrity Waiter Nights.

Joe Haas, who helped with the formation of the St. Joseph County United Way shared that after hiring Kelly Hostetler as Executive Director he jokingly made the comment that he thought the organization could raise $1 million. Haas says he is impressed because that is now a regular happening. ...... {LISTEN}.

Hostetler announced the Top Ten companies that contributed to the United Way Campaign in 2024. Taking the top spot was Morgan Olson, with $230,032 contributed to the United Way. That includes the new United Way truck at a value of $65,725.

In second place was TH Plastics ($58.310); third was American Axle Manufacturing ($48,787); fourth was Burr Oak Tool ($33,986); fifth was Three Rivers Beacon Health ($33,931); sixth was Abbott Nutrition ($26,420); seventh the City of Sturgis ($25,249); eighth was Kadant Johnson ($16,722); ninth was Oak Press Solutions ($15,769) and tenth was Sturgis Public Schools ($8,624).

Hostetler reminded the audience that Campaign 2025 was underway. The Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs were introduced. They are Joe and Joyce Haas and Dr. Adam and Erin Goff.