United Way campaign chairman Steve Wagner is covered with confetti after announcing victory Thursday night. (The Vicksburg Post/PAT SHANNAHAN)

With still a few more pledges out, the United Way of West Central Mississippi celebrated Thursday raising $1.67 million to help fund 24 member agencies during 2001.

The organization had set a goal of $1.8 million for this year’s campaign, and the total announced is about 89 percent of that goal.

Campaign chairman Steve Wagner said the United Way has a single mission of building a stronger, healthier community. “The generosity of the people will determine how the needs of the year 2001 will be met,” he said.

In winding up this year’s campaign for funds, each of the division chairmen reported on division results.

The Pacesetter Division, chaired by John Bonar, works in advance of the normal campaign and raised $908,880 at 10 select companies.

Other results were:

Large Firms, headed by Donald Cross, $200,520.

Small Firms, headed by Bill Bexley, $94,213.

Small Business, headed by Mark Buys, $36,023.

Professional Division, headed by Bill Fulcher, $29,000.

Special Gifts, headed by Michael Banks, $57,010.

School Division, headed by Susan Ivins, $43,949.

Local Government, headed by Terri Cosey, $15,050.

Prospect Division, headed by Linda Watts, $30,054.

Combined Federal Campaign, Billy Simmons, liaison, $255,311.

Leadership Giving, headed by Briggs Hopson, did not report a total but he said they anticipate the total will represent about 20 percent of the entire campaign.

“I believe the people of Vicksburg and Warren County have entrusted us with the power to make a tremendous difference in our community,” said Barbara Tolliver, United Way president.

With the 2000 campaign virtually complete, the United Way will begin budget hearings with the heads of the member agencies this month and come up with how the results of the campaign will be divided up in December.

The member agencies are American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts, Bridge at Signal Hill, Child Abuse Prevention Center, Christian Volunteer Service, Community Council/RSVP, Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi, Middle Mississippi Girl Scouts, Good Shepherd Community Center, Haven House, HIV Services, The Information Line, Magnolia Speech School, MIDD-West, Salvation Army, USO, Vicksburg Early Education Center, Vicksburg Family Development Center, Warren County Children’s Shelter, Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Services, We Care Community Services and YMCA.