Pictured above is (left to right) state Rep. Tina Pickett, Bradford County United Way Executive Director Kerri Strauss, Vice President of Fundraising Desiree Rockwell, and President Robert Hugo celebrating the Bradford County United Way reaching its fundraising goal for 2012. Kristy Westbrook/Morning Times TOWANDA — The United Way of Bradford County reached its 2012 goal of $385,000.

Vice President of Fundraising Desiree Rockwell said at a victory celebration breakfast Thursday, this year was one of the most difficult years the BCUW has had so far because of the September flood.

She said people gave in September to help flood victims and gave again for the BCUW campaign.

“It was just amazing to see,” said Rockwell. “We are very fortunate we made our campaign goal for 2012.”

“I could not have done it without the campaign committee and Executive Director Kerri Strauss,” said Rockwell.

Strauss said the United Way is all about bringing different people to the table to reach one common goal.

The top 10 employee campaign contributors were Cargill; Proctor and Gamble; Global Tungsten and Powders; Guthrie Healthcare System; DuPont; Chesapeake Energy; CraftMaster Inc.; Tops Friendly Markets; Tuscarora Wayne; and Gannon Insurance. A BCUW press release said these top 10 employee campaigns accounted for 68 percent of the total funds pledged.

A new event this year for the branch was the “Day of Caring,” which Rockwell said was a big success.

The program, which is also used in other locations, is designed to link an agency the United Way serves with a company that would like to volunteer for the day.

One success story was the Bradford County Abuse and Rape Crisis Center, which was linked with First Energy, locally known as Penelec.

Amy Miller of the ARCC said the organization was excited to have Penelec come to paint a room in their facility. She said the newly-painted room brings life to the staff and makes the setting more comfortable. She said a comfortable space is important as the agency deals with uncomfortable topics.

Jody Place of First Energy said the company enjoyed the experience and volunteers are already looking forward to next year’s day of caring.

“I knew it was an opportunity for our company to see first hand what they can do in the community,” said Place.

She said it was “really amazing” to see how the trim was becoming covered as they saw the room being transformed by the work they were doing.

Place said the day also revealed some hidden talents of the employees and it was a chance for workers that do not usually interact to work together as a team.

“I had such a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day,” said one employee volunteer of the experience. “It was good to help someone else.”

“It is uplifting to do things that can help others,” said another employee. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

Rockwell said the BCUW will be doing the “Day of Caring” again next year.

DuPont in Towanda had a successful campaign, and company officials shared with others what made it a good year of raising funds for the BCUW.

Yesim Tuna of DuPont said the employee contributions for 2012 totaled $30,553.72, which was a nearly $7,000 increase from the 2011 contribution of $23,555.12.

She said this surpassed the plant goal of $28,000. The total plant contribution, including the corporation contribution, was $35,000.

In order to increase the contributions for the campaign, Tuna said she had Rockwell come to talk to the plant management team, which brought enthusiasm for the campaign.

The company also issued five $200 gift cards to five randomly selected donors. To ensure the donors would give early on, more chances were given for the raffle the earlier donations were given.

Tuna also sent out weekly updates via e-mails, posters, and a television broadcast within the facility as a friendly reminder.

“They are small changes, but they had an impact,” said Tuna.

One organization that benefits from the United Way is The Bridge.

In its 25th year, the Bridge provides services such as the “clearing house” where vouchers are given to those in need in Athens, Sayre, and Waverly; the clothes closet; the helping hands furniture donations; kids at risk which ensures students have what they need for school; and catastrophic assistance to residents, such as fire victims, to get back into their home, according to Bridge President Richard Friend.

Friend said The Bridge has given 395 “conventional vouchers” in 2011, helping 566 adults and 383 children keep their home, and 389 flood vouchers giving $800 per household.

He said the United Way gives 20 percent of the contributions for The Bridge, while its other contributions are from sources such as individuals, churches, and fundraising.

“On behalf of all of the 389 households,” said Friend, “we thank you.”

At the celebration, 10 “pledge to win” prize winners were named, and prizes such as a $500 TOPs card, a $250 gas card, and a $125 car detail gift card was awarded.

“From the United Way of Bradford County, thanks for your continued support,” Rockwell said the campaign contributors. “Without you, we couldn’t have made this possible.”