The spirit of giving was with many Centre County residents this year. Centre County United Way announced Thursday that it surpassed its fund-raising goal for the year by 5.6 percent.

"I think people were more willing to give this year," said former campaign chairman Leo Doriguzzi. "I think people are coming to understand what the United Way is and what a good job it does for the 30 local agencies it supports."

The $976,633 raised meant an 8.3 percent increase over the total from last year. This was the largest increase of any equally sized Pennsylvania United Way, said James A. Moss, campaign chairman.

Moss added that the success was due in part to a newly implemented campaign strategy.

"This year we managed to involve high-profile community leaders who in turn helped inspire others to get involved," he said, adding that he had seen that technique bring success to other United Ways throughout the country.

Penn State raised $332,804, making it the largest contributor to the campaign.

"The University's performance is nothing short of outstanding and commendable," Moss said. "The campaign is directed at companies and since the University is the largest employer in the area, its performance sets a positive tone for the community."

Karen Rugh, director of University Relations, handled the administrative aspects of the University campaign and said she was pleased with the results.

All full-time faculty and staff were contacted and most of the contributions came from them, Rugh said, but added that students played an important role.

"We realize their contributions were going to be not so much financial as giving the campaign a higher profile," she said, adding that one example was the student-organized Blue-White basketball game.

Rugh said the $1 donation at the door and proceeds from contests during halftime went to the United Way.

The game was organized by students from many organizations, including the Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council and the Undergraduate Student Government, she said.