(CENTREVILLE) – Campaign 2021 was a success for the St. Joseph County United Way.

Due to COVID-19, the United Way was not able to hold their annual Victory Celebration. Executive Director Kelly Hostetler says the campaign raised $1,103,117. That exceeded the goal of $1,013,250.

For Campaign 2021, there were 158 leadership givers, which totaled $379,798, which makes up 34 percent of the United Way's campaign. Leadership giving is a recognition program for individuals who donate $1,000 or more each year.

The Top Ten businesses who gave during Campaign 2021 were 1. Morgan Olson at $171,057; 2. TH Plastics; 3. Burr Oak Tool; 4. American Axle; 5. Kadant Johnson; 6. City of Sturgis; 7. Sturgis Public Schools; 8. Oak Press Solutions; 9. Sturgis Hospital and 10. Meijer.

Hostetler says special events raised $545,327 which is approximately 49 percent of the campaign's total. That includes the Pandemic Food Fund which collected $223,584 directly given to families and individuals to help with food and direct needs. Other special events included the WBET Radiothon, which exceeded expectations by raising over $103,000, the Silent Auction, the Golf Outing, the Mega Raffle.

Hostetler says the success of Campaign 2021 was due to the hard work of the Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs: Greg and Amy Hackman along with Frank and Mary Kay Schultz.

Hostetler announced the Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs for Campaign 2022. They are Jeff Bloomfield and Garrett Hall.