When it first started 50 years ago, the local United Way was able to raise $196,000 for people in the community.
Last year the campaign raised $2.5 million. Current United way board president figures the population was around the same amount then as it is now and yet the community has been able to come together year after year to give more and more.
"It's just an amazing feat when you think about it that we were able to do that," Tupker said Tuesday afternoon at a celebration, which included local politicians.
The number keeps growing as the need grows. Every year is a struggle for the allocation committee to figure out what's realistic as more agencies ask for more money to help an increasing number of people.
"People criticize us for that (increasing the camapaign goal) but the need is there," Tupker said.
"It just continues to grow."
With 29 agencies and more than 1,000 volunteers the Untied Way has come a long way in the past 50 years. But Tupker said he doesn't see the need slowing down, which is why they'll continue to keep working hard to make a difference in the community.
"You can see it in the 29 agencies and all of those programs," he said.
The United Way is hosting a number of events throughout the year to celebrate 50 years. It's starting with a promotion with local hotels. From now until April 17, the Vahalla Inn, Prince Arthur, Days Inn and Best Western will donate 50 cents for each room rented to the United Way.
