Pictured are Anne and Paul Hedin, co-chairs of the 2016 United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Campaign, which raised $1,338,652 for local community programs. P-J photo by A.J. Rao

Widespread support from across the county enabled the 2016 United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Campaign to raise $1,338,652 for local community programs — exceeding its goal by more than $38,000.

On Tuesday, United Way board members, staff and volunteers, gathered at the Sarita Weeks Reception Room at Jamestown Community College to recognize the companies and organizations that helped make this feat possible.

Campaign co-chairs, Anne and Paul Hedin, a husband and wife team, told The Post-Journal they were excited and humbled by the outcome.

“It’s been a wonderful campaign,” said Anne Hedin. “Paul and I really have to thank everybody involved because it’s certainly a joint effort. Between the volunteers, the wonderful staff at the United Way and every individual that donated, we’re very thankful.”

The Hedins, who have deep local roots in Jamestown and Lakewood, are long-time United Way donors and members of the Leadership Circle. They agreed to become campaign chairs last April.

“We have a wonderful, giving community, but one with struggles,” Anne Hedin said. “Everyone who is here has to do a little bit more  — and indeed they did. I think people understand the challenges we face and because they love Southern Chautauqua County, they stepped up to the plate.”

According to the United Way, 100 percent of the money raised each year remains in Southern Chautauqua County, with more than $1 million awarded in grants to 25 local agencies.

Tory Irgang, executive director of the United Way, said the 2016 campaign involved 50 workplace presentations — the most they have ever done.

“Our volunteers understand that the best way to learn about the United Way is to have a face-to-face presentation and a strong effort was made to arrange them at workplaces this year,” she said.

Companies recognized for increasing the number of donors or total amount raised during the event included: Artone LLC; Bush Industries; Clark Patterson Lee, Chautauqua County employees; Fancher Chair Company; Frewsburg Central School; IBEW Local Post 106; Jamestown Fire Department; Mental Health Association; Northwest; Panama Central School; Weber Knapp; Wegmans; and Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club.

At the conclusion of the event, the Hedins received special recognition for leading the 2016 campaign.

“The leadership delivered by Anne and Paul made this campaign smooth from the start,” Irgang said. “We would not have succeeded in this way without them.”

Paul Hedin said leading the campaign was nothing short of inspiring.

“It confirms what we’ve always believed … that the Jamestown area is a terrific place to live,” he said. “To have people step up and do better this year has been something that we hoped for. We try  to inspire the community and in turn they’ve inspired us.”

A “Thank You” video showing what programs will be impacted by the United Way campaign can be accessed at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County Facebook page.

To learn more about the United Way, visit uwayscc.org.