Twin Cities United Way sets fundraising record

St. Paul, Minn. — The Greater Twin Cities United Way received a record amount of donations during its annual campaign last year.

The organization raised a total of $89.5 million. It exceeded its goal by $1.7 million.

United Way officials said the funds will help increase the agency's ability to serve the community.

Lauren Segal, president and CEO of the local United Way, said the agency has switched its focus from raising money for lots of organizations to becoming more goal-oriented.

"Now we've become much more focused around trying to do fewer things, go to a deeper level of engagement and involvement on the issues and put some measures at the changes we're trying to achieve at a community level with some time frames. So really kind of a business strategy," said Segal.

Segal said United Way's goals include reducing hunger in the Twin Cities by 20 percent in the next year, and ending long-term homelessness in the metro area within two years.