The United Way of the CSRA celebrated surpassing its fundraising goal at its annual meeting Tuesday.

Purple, green and gold beads and balloons and jazz melodies added to the New Orleans feel at the Marriott Hotels & Suites as officials announced that the agency raised $4,416,203, exceeding its $4.4 million goal set in August.

"It's been a successful campaign," said Jeff Spears, the campaign's chairman. "It's amazing how this community steps up time and time again."

For La Verne Gold, the organization's president, the announcement was especially sweet. Ms. Gold, a United Way employee for 28 years, was selected as the organization's president after Jo Endres Maypole left for a new position at the Medical College of Georgia last year.

"My first campaign, and to have exceeded goal - we are very thrilled about that," Ms. Gold said.

Also at the meeting, retired American Red Cross of Augusta Executive Director Carolyn Maund received the 2006 Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award for her continued service to the community.

In other business, the United Way presented its new board of directors for 2007. Kent Dunn, Ray Wans and Jerry Woods were elected to second three-year terms, and Cheryl Cheek, Catherine Maness and Lee Smith were elected to one-year terms. Other new members include Maj. Chip Hall, Dr. LaFaye Hargrove, Jeff Marks, Wendell Smith and the Rev. DaHenri Thurmond Sr.

The United Way of the CSRA provides funding to programs in 20 health and service organizations in the area. In 2005, the organization raised $4,301,618.