Campaign Chairman Miguel Coty announced that United Way of Martin County has raised more than $2 million during the 2008-09 campaign and is closing in on this year's community needs goal of $2.7 million.

The Champions event marks a ceremonial end to the campaign, but United Way will continue to raise money through the end of the fiscal year, June 30, in a continued effort to reach this year's goal.

Coty also handed the campaign chair torch off Martin County Supervisor of Elections Vicki Davis who will chair the 2009-10 United Way of Martin County Campaign.

Here are the Champions of the Community for 2008-09:

Corporate Champion Award - Florida Power and Light and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #627 and #1191: This year, FP&L totaled $274,863 in giving from employees and the corporation.

Community Challenge Award - Loblolly: With $116,234 raised for United Way of Martin County, Loblolly is once again this year's Community Challenge Champion.

Campaign Champion Award - Anne McCormick, executive director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

Campaign Spirit Awards - Office of the Martin County Clerk of Circuit Court, Publix Super Markets, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Seacoast National Bank, Milam's Market, Martin Memorial Health Systems and Helping People Succeed

New Community Partners - GEO Care Inc., First Bank of Indiantown, Tykes and Teens, and Treasure Coast Hospice

Agency Spirit Award - Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County

CHARACTER COUNTS! Champions - Gene Gillis, Phyllis Kordick and Barbara Sundblad

Community Impact Champions - Al Malley

Martin Volunteers Champions - Mark and Wynne Vicini

Foundation Champion - Vicki Junod-Wackeen

President's Award - Bruce Farren

Call (772) 283-4800 or visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org for more information.