For Debbie and Richard Konzem, co-chairmen of the United Way of Douglas County campaign for 2006-07, the numbers looked great when unveiled Wednesday.

Volunteers and donors had helped raise $1.63 million.

The estimated campaign total beat the $1.6 million goal.

It was also a 3.3 percent increase over last year’s $1.58 million.

But the Konzems said they took solace in almost 99 percent of the donations staying in Douglas County to provide services through 26 member agencies and helping more than 40,000 people in some way.

“What this campaign did was reinforce the generosity and the compassion of Douglas County residents. Regardless of the goal, they respond each year,” said Debbie Konzem, a vice president for AT&T in Topeka.

Unlike the previous year, donor fatigue was less of a factor with the absence of major national and area disasters.

Richard Konzem, director of athletics at Benedictine College in Atchison, said the United Way’s reputation continues to carry instant credibility.

“People have great confidence that the utilization of the money they donate is going to go to the people that need it,” he said.

Marcia Epstein, director of Headquarters Counseling Center, attended Wednesday’s campaign celebration at the Eldridge Hotel, where the Konzems announced campaign numbers.

Karen and Chuck Warner, center, the United Way Campaign 2007-2008 drive chairmen-elect, visit with Judy Bellome, CEO of Visiting Nurses and Hospice, left, and Kim Lowry, VNA/Hospice marketing development director, at the 2006-2007 United Way Campaign Celebration at the Eldridge Hotel.

Epstein said United Way funding makes up between 25 percent to 30 percent of the budget for Headquarters, which has four full-time staffers, a part-timer and 45 volunteers.

Counting on United Way funds keeps staffers from having to search and apply for additional grants, and it allows them to devote that time instead to working with clients, she said.

Area businesses also received awards for their employee contributions during Wednesday’s celebration. Hallmark Cards Inc., Westar Energy and UMB Bank each won the Corporate Citizen Award in their business-size categories for having the highest corporate gift per employee.

United Way campaign manager Colleen Gregoire said Wednesday’s announced total was a projection for now based on contributions already received and gifts not yet announced from a few business campaigns. Also, other United Way agencies may still forward donations from commuters who designated gifts to the county.

Chuck and Karen Warner were also introduced as co-chairmen for next year’s campaign.