The Streator Area United Way Thursday reported the annual campaign raised $241,441 in 2009 — exceeding the goal of $240,944 by $497.

The agency held its 61st annual Appreciation Dinner Thursday night.

"I acknowledged that we would have a challenge this year," Campaign Chairman Ed Mollo told the crowd. "I felt confident that our goal would be met because of the kind and giving people of Streator. Thank you, Streator, we did it again."

Dick Linton received the Tom Wilson Award in recognition of his years of service to the United Way.

"I think there are others more deserving of it, but I do appreciate it," Linton said.

Linton has served the United Way on the board for nine years, the Allocation Committee for 12 years, as an industrial solicitor for 10 years and as a past campaign chairman.

Also recognized for years of service were Janice Hart, 45 years; Jack Dzuris, 40 years; Stella Vahldieck, 40 years and Carolynn Yuhas, 20 years.

United Way President Dan Schueller thanked the campaign committee and the community for their efforts.

"I really need to thank the community," Schueller said. "I don"t know if I ever saw a community come together and fight for a cause. You can"t do something without a strong community. Way to go, Streator, it was a heck of a job."

Schueller acknowledged the benefit of the agencies to the community.

"The agencies that are here absolutely need these funds," Schueller said. "The community gives to you but you give back to the community tenfold."

Agencies served by Streator Area United Way include A Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Service (ADV/SAS), Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities, Centrillo Council of Girl Scouts, La Salle County CASA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Streator Child Development Center, Streator Unlimited, Streator Family YMCA and Youth Service Bureau of the Illinois Valley.

Both Mollo and Schueller thanked Betty DiGusto, executive director of the Streator Area United Way, for her continued service to the agency and holding the campaign together in a difficult economic time.

"I"m so glad I took this on because you, Betty, make this so easy," Schueller said.