The United Way is closer to reaching its fundraising goal after a successful event was held on Monday.

As of yesterday, $1,536,057 or 77% of the goal has been achieved. Included in this is more than $10,000 raised in just three hours during United Way’s second annual St. Andrew’s Day Celebration, held on Monday.

The venue, Cork’d Taphouse and Grill, was closed for this exclusive scotch tasting event, and there was a definite Scottish flavour, complete with volunteers dressed in serving wench attire, men in kilts, bagpipes announcing presenters and food pairings including bison skewers, officials said.

The money raised during this event will go directly back into the community and provides consistent funding to over 30 programs and services in Central Alberta. Last year 4,251 women and children accessed shelter and assisted services related to domestic violence.

“United Way really focuses on events that are unique and bring something different to the community. It’s not hard to see why this event was sold out. Not only are people coming for a great cause, but they are able to share their passion and knowledge of scotch, not to mention a few laughs and some very memorable moments,” said Buck Buchanan, 2012 volunteer campaign co-chair.

He added this event was an opportunity to remind attendees about the opportunity to become a United Way leadership donor and support one of the most exciting and new initiatives of the 2012 Campaign – the Leadership Matching Challenge. The Challenge matches any new or increased gifts of $1,000 or more.

“This marks the last big community event for the United Way Campaign season. For the next three weeks, we will focus on bringing in the remainder of the campaign goal. We hope anyone that has not yet made their pledge, will do so right now. We need everyone’s help to hit the target this year,” said John Knoch, 2012 volunteer campaign co-chair.

This year’s call to action is ‘Change Starts Here,’ and United Way has focused its marketing strategies around local people who have been helped by local donors to illustrate that change is already happening in Central Alberta.

The money raised during this campaign is put directly back into the community and provides consistent funding to over 30 programs and services in Central Alberta. Last year, 19,613 children and youth received mentorship opportunities, camp experiences, nutrition, education support and tools to reach their full potential. Altogether, over 107,000 people in Central Alberta were helped thanks to donor dollars raised during campaign.

– Fawcett