Kaua'i United Way has surpassed its 2008 campaign goal of $610,000, which was higher than the year before. The 2008 campaign raised $614,500.

"Even with all the stormy economic news in Hawai'i, the giving spirit of Kaua'i folks has not been dampened," said co-chairman Ron Wiley.

Executive director Scott Giarman said, "I guess it shouldn't be so astonishing that when our neighbors are in trouble, Kaua'i people rally to their aid. ... This is fantastic — it means that, at a time when virtually all other funding sources are drying up, Kaua'i United Way's Participating Agencies will collectively receive about all of what they received last year."

Money raised on Kaua'i stays on the island and helps 27 participating social services agencies, Kaua'i United Way said.