Judy Wright, 2008 Chairwoman for the United Way of Douglas County’s annual campaign, announces awards at an event Wednesday celebrating the end of the agency’s annual fundraising drive, at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. The campaign raised .7 million, just 0,000 short of its goal.

United Way leaders and volunteers are celebrating their 2008 campaign success that has raised $1.7 million in a tough economic climate.

During a Wednesday night event at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H., leaders with the United Way of Douglas County announced the campaign reached 98.8 percent of its 2008 goal — falling just $20,000 short of the goal to raise $1.72 million.

“I think people realize that if you and I are having a tough time because of this economic climate, imagine what it’s like for our neighbors who utilize those services, and we just have to dig a little bit deeper and make it happen,” said Judy Wright, the 2008 campaign chairwoman.

Contributions to the campaign will be allocated to 25 United Way partner agencies.

Wright said she relied on a cabinet of community leaders who had different expertise to tap into new businesses and donors.

“I think what we said once, if we didn’t say it 100 times, is we’re not asking you to give any more, but we’re asking more of you to give, and I think that’s exactly what happened,” Wright said.

During the celebration, campaign leaders recognized three “trailblazer” donors who gave $50,000 or more — Hallmark Cards Inc., The World Company and one anonymous donor. Three companies, Capitol Federal Savings, U.S. Bank and Westar Energy, were also named “patriot” donors for giving $10,000 to $49,999.

For participation, 29 companies and donor agencies had 90 percent to 100 percent of employees take part, and eight more companies had 70 percent to 89 percent employee participation.