Several groups were recently honored for their support of the campaign. Receiving the President's Award was Case IH and their employees for their generous contributions. The employees and corporation kicked in over $200,000 last fall and shattered a myriad of company records in the campaign's history. Over the last five years, Case IH and their employees have steadily increased individual employee giving and corporate support.

The Principal Financial Group received the Citizen's Award with over 92 employees participating in the campaign. In addition, 368 employees gave over 2,500 hours of volunteer community service hours to various non-profit agencies and projects.

Announced as 2008 campaign co-chairs were Dr. Steve Anderson and Charla Miller. Well known for their community service, this duo will provide dynamic leadership for next year. They will be able to tap into a rich legacy of support and trust in the Heartland United Way as they gear up over the next several months.

The Heartland United Way supports 17 agencies in Hall, Merrick and Hamilton counties.

Perhaps no event in Grand Island puts as much fun in a fundraiser as the annual Fur Ball, the rambunctious gala that supports the Central Nebraska Humane Society. Last Saturday's event raised a reported $40,000 to assist the agency in helping vulnerable animals in the area. Congratulations to all involved in the event.