Generous people, companies and foundations helped the United Way of the Quad Cities surpass its fundraising goal. Co-chairs, Carrie O'Neill from Wells Fargo and Jim Nelson from Parr Instrument, announced Thursday the 2015 Workforce Campaign raised $9 million — about $250,000 more than the goal.
President Scott Crane says for the first time, the John Deere Foundation matched new and increased donations, in addition to its usual contribution to the campaign. The goal was to encourage giving during a downturn in the farm economy.
Crane also praised the Women's Leadership Council for an initiative called, "Born Learning."
In addition, nine businesses and groups started their United Way workplace campaigns early. Crane says these "pacesetters" and Birdies for Charity raised 46 percent more than last year.
He says people and companies in the Midwest are more generous, giving around $25 per capita to charity, compared to the east and west coasts, where they donate less than $10 dollars per capita.
The $ 9 million total beat last year's by $500,000.
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