MOULTRIE — The goal is surpassed and the money is still coming in. That was the announcement Friday about the 2010 United Way Campaign for Colquitt County.

The money raised so far is $437,060. The goal was $420,000.

At the Victory Celebration Luncheon — and in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season — many “thank yous” were on the program.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2010 United Way Victory Luncheon,” said Sonya Aldridge, president of United Way of Colquitt County.

She then introduced Bob Craft who gave the invocation and reminded the audience that the theme was “Advocate, Give and Volunteer.”

Aldridge recognized the member agencies, board members and volunteers by asking them to stand.

“I thank you for what you’ve done. ...Thank you so much for what you do to give, advocate and volunteer,” she said.

She introduced the 2010 campaign chair, Barbara Jelks, who gave the campaign report, noting “There are several key elements that make a successful campaign.”

She said the first was the agencies who do and “excellent job” in the community. She also said it could not be done without the board members and the volunteers. The marketing campaign was also a crucial part, and it was

instrumental in getting the information out, she said. She thanked a few of the businesses for their support in marketing.

Jelks recognized and thanked her co-chair, Donna Lott, and Angela Castellow, the executive director of United Way of Colquitt County.

Then, she asked the audience to stand and applaud themselves, the community and the lives they’ve touched as she gave the amount of money that had been raised.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

Castellow presented awards to the participants for their fundraising efforts.

She said that in February there would be an event to recognize loyal contributors, which are individuals who have given to any United Way for ten years or more.