Butler County United Way supporters rose to the challenge despite a tough economy and helped the nonprofit raise $1,269,000 in its annual campaign, which represents a 2 percent increase over last year.

The figure was praised as "remarkable" by the 2009 campaign chairman, Ann Morrison, given the economy's ongoing struggles.

Though the annual effort began in September 2008, pledges and contributions each year are counted from July 1 to June 30.

Sherry Sassone, finance manager, said the United Way will use the money to fund 42 programs within 22 nonprofit agencies in the county during the 2009-10 fiscal year, which began July 1.

All programs that received funding fell into three categories, Ms. Sassone said: education, personal financial stability, and connecting the needy with resources.

While many of the programs are perennial ones, there are a dozen or so new ones this year, she said. One of the new recipients is the Butler County Home Ownership Program and its Supportive Housing Opportunity Program. The aim of SHOP is to move people from subsidized housing to independently owned housing.

United Way officials announced its final figures at its meeting on June 17.

"I think these results were a bit of a surprise to everyone. I don't think anybody thought we'd be able to collect this amount," Ms. Sassone said. "But, we have come to the conclusion that people realize that, in these trying times, the services are needed even more."

United Way of Butler County presented its annual Spirit of Butler Award to Indespec of Petrolia, which annually raises more than $26,000 for United Way.