Shelby County United Fund hits goal

B.J. Fairchild-Newman, Shelbyville News Staff Writer

Can they raise it? Yes, they did!

The 2009 SCUFFY fundraising drive exceeded its lofty $765,000 goal by a total of only $119.15, but the crowd was on its feet clapping and shouting over the campaign's success following the announcement Wednesday evening.

The SCUFFY End of Drive Dinner at Maxim Events was attended by the organization's impressive crew of volunteers who were able to meet their goal during the most difficult economy since the beginning of the drive 55 years ago.

Volunteers who have worked so hard to meet the goal were understandably proud, and most of the evening consisted of recognizing the people and businesses who helped SCUFFY to raise the money needed to fund the groups that it supports in Shelby County.

According to Chris King, 2009 drive chairman, "The people of the community stepped up when we asked them. This doesn't belong to me; it belongs to you. Thanks for getting us there."

King and chairman of the SCUFFY board of directors Larry Browning both noted that deciding to increase the goal amount for this year was a difficult decision. Some people suggested setting the goal lower than last year or keeping the number the same as 2008, but King said that the organizations who depend on SCUFFY for money don't need less; the demand on the services of groups such as The Salvation Army, Shelby Community Health Center and Meals on Wheels is greater, not less.

"Our decision was to reach for a higher goal," Browning said.