At a time when so many children live in poverty, financial instability threatens families' futures and our neighbors are struggling with unexpected life changes, there is a ray of hope. It shines in the hearts and minds of thousands of individuals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

For me, leading the 2012 United Way Campaign was an opportunity of a lifetime. It's been an amazing year of great experiences that I will never forget. It is with great enthusiasm that I say THANK YOU donors, volunteers and community leaders for making this a record-setting year for United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.

Through my work with United Way this year, I witnessed a level of giving that truly sets our region apart. In spite of a difficult economy, thousands of people reached out to help neighbors in need and raised $6,940,213 - the largest sum in United Way's history!

I can't say it enough -- Thank you. These dollars will make a real and lasting difference to this community to helping more than 100,000 local people. It took all of us from the Chattahoochee Valley region -- companies large and small, employee groups, government employees, retirees and individuals -- to make this campaign a success for our neighbors in need. These funds were raised one dollar and one donor at a time, and will go to help support the critical work of the United Way-funded health and human services agencies. Here in the Chattahoochee Valley, your donations support programs that assist with after-school care, provide shelter for homeless families, help children with disabilities and comfort those during natural disasters.

Raising the most money in an organization's history is no small feat, and it happened because so many people in our community stepped up to the challenge. I am honored that I had an amazing team of United Way staff members and volunteers that walked shoulder to shoulder with me throughout the entire campaign. Whether you donated $10, $10,000 or simply your valuable time to the 2012 campaign, you helped make history this year.

Thank you to every single person who contributed to the 2012 United Way Campaign, from CEOs and campaign coordinators to foundations and individual donors.

Your contributions will change the lives of our friends and neighbors right here at home.

Rodney Mahone, President and Publisher of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, was the 2012 United Way Campaign Chairman; rmahone@ledger-enquirer.com.