NORWICH – For the first time in five years, the Chenango County United Way can say it surpassed its annual fundraising campaign goal, bringing another successful chapter in its longstanding community impact to a close.

The United Way released final figures of its 2013 campaign last week. When all the numbers were crunched, contributions totaled $444,875; $875 above the initial benchmark set in September. According to United Way Director Elizabeth Monaco, this is the first time the Chenango United Way reached its goal since the 2008 campaign. And because this year’s goal was $4,000 more than last year’s, surpassing expectations is all the more monumental.

“There was rumor that the economy was slowly improving but it wasn’t until the end of the campaign that we could actually see that,” said Monaco, pointing to a number of local companies that played an enormous part in hitting the target. “We had a majority of companies that met and exceeded campaign goals, which is a very big deal. This shows a turning point in our community.”

Since the kick-off of the campaign four months ago, 73 presentations were made to individual agencies throughout Chenango County – each presentation touching on the impact of the United Way, thereby encouraging employees and private donors alike to give what they can for the good of their community. Efforts resulted in 253 new givers this year, a 47 percent increase over the 2012 campaign. The surge in new donors delivers new promise as the United Way moves forward, cited Dale Losee, campaign associate for the Chenango United Way. “Whenever we get new givers, it is definitely a good sign,” he said.