HOBART | The Lake Area United Way announced Tuesday night it raised more than $5.24 million in its 2007-08 campaign, surpassing the group's goal by nearly 5 percent.

Richard Komyatte, the 2007-08 campaign chairman, expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the many health and human services the Lake Area United Way funds.

"Tonight, celebrate a great victory," Komyatte said. "You deserve it, you did it."

Komyatte also spoke of the top 10 organizations that contributed to the drive. He said the total amount received from those organizations was about $3 million.

Leading the top 10 organizations were ArcelorMittal, U.S. Steel and BP, which contributed nearly $1.2 million, $675,000 and $548,568, respectively.

The Lake Area United Way wasn't the only Northwest Indiana United Way branch that had success with its 2007-08 campaign.

United Way branches in Porter and LaPorte counties also recently announced they exceeded their campaign goals.

The United Way of Porter County raised $2.14 million, and the United Way of LaPorte County raised more than $1 million, officials with those groups reported.

Komyatte and his wife, Sylvia, were honored Tuesday with the Calvin E. Bellamy and R. Garry Bradley Lifetime Achievement Award for their efforts in the Lake Area United Way campaign.

Lake Area United Way President Lou Martinez said Komyatte was an excellent leader in the campaign.

"He took the reins and did it," Martinez said.

After receiving the award, Komyatte was asked if he would be the chairman for the organization's next campaign.

"I would be delighted to do so," Komyatte said.

He said workers will have to put forth a greater effort in the next campaign because of economic problems and the fact the need for services always is increasing.

"If you give to us, I'm hopeful a year from now we'll have a celebration as grand as this one," Komyatte said.

For more information on the Lake Area United Way, call (219) 923-2302 or visit www.lauw.org.