United Way of Hall County topped its 2011 fundraising goal of $1.8 million by $8,110, officials announced Thursday at the organization’s annual celebration.Brian Daniel, the campaign’s chairman, announced the amount with the help an artist, Josh Powell, who was sketching images of the United Way campaign, as well as the luncheon, on a wide canvas.Some 180 area companies contributed, with Publix Supermarkets recognized for donating $222,160, the most of any donor.“Thanks to all of you for giving, advocating, volunteering this past year,” Daniel told the large audience at the Georgia Mountains Center Theater. “Your support has been felt throughout the campaign, and your effort will be felt throughout this community.”United Way, based at 527 Oak St., Gainesville, is a nonprofit organization that helps provide funding to 16 service agencies throughout the community, with much of that money coming from employee contributions, particularly through payroll deduction.Volunteers also were recognized as part of Thursday’s event.“This is a day that my staff and I look forward to every year,” said Jackie Wallace, United Way president. “It’s a culmination of all of our efforts from the past year, and it’s a time to celebrate our community for truly living united.”This year’s campaign theme was “Live it,” a charge to allow giving “to become a fabric of who you are every single day,” Wallace said.“When that happens, our mission becomes no longer words on a page, but it becomes reality lived out through our community.”Darrell Snyder, chairman of United Way’s board of directors, spoke to that point, as well.“Many of the people we come in contact with each day think they are up against impossible odds,” he said.