United Way celebrates fundraising success for 2012

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A great year of fundraising for Miami-Dade County schools ended with a party fit for champions.

More than 700 students, teachers and employees gathered at the American Airlines Arena Thursday morning.

The band played and the Heat's mascot danced as they celebrated their successful United Way fundraising for 2012. "Today is a celebration of giving and caring, our staff and student have made a huge contribution to help those less fortunate in our community," said Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

They brought in $1.7 million, one of the best in the nation. "The kids are our future, and the fact that they care so well that they reach out and made donations, and are involved in community organizations throughout this county, is a great testimony about the future," said United Way of Miami-Dade County President and CEO Harve Mogul. "So, I'm proud of them."

The ceremony also honored those from the community that led the fundraising efforts.

Miami-Dade Schools has partnered with United Way for nearly 40 years.

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