CRUNCHING THE FINAL NUMBERS - Even as guests were preparing their plates at the Victory Luncheon, United Way Executive Director Patricia Dixon (seated), and her financial team including Julia Toole along with her daughter AnnaLeigh Toole and Brent Sammons continue to calculate up-to-the-minute figures for the 2026 campaign.

Two months ago, the 2026 United Way campaign of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties began, and Thursday the victory luncheon was held and the thanks for the efforts of dozens of volunteers and the generosity of the community, it was another banner campaign.

Michael Lane chaired the fundraising campaign to next year and said he is amazed that not only was the $510,000 goal met, but it was also exceeded by nearly $15,000.

“I’m excited, thankful, and relieved,” Lane said. “This just shows the tireless efforts of our campaign divisions who wouldn’t stop. As you know, just a few days ago, we were a ways from meeting our goal, and because these volunteers wouldn’t give up, not only have we met it, but we’ve gone over.

“It’s also a testament to this community,” he continued. “We couldn’t do it without their help and their vision of seeing the needs of their fellow citizens. We are just blessed to live in such a giving and caring community.”

The funds raised during the two-month campaign will help support the mission of approximately 20 service agencies in the three counties who help meet the humanitarian needs of local citizens from birth to the elderly. How those monies will be distributed will be determined entirely by a local board with 99 cents of every dollar raised being returned right back into the community.

Even though the main thrust of the fundraising campaign is over, there’s still more to do.

“The work doesn’t stop,” Lane said. “We’ll still be playing Bingo and doing things to keep the funds coming in. But as for now, I’m going to rest, catch my breath and get ready for next year when that campaign will be chaired by Amanda Higgins.”