City of Avondale employees have pledged $104,436 to the Valley of the Sun United Way, with nearly 70 percent employee participation in this year’s campaign earning the top spot as a giving municipality.

The city was also recognized as a top United Way Campaign participant in the 500-999 employee category for its Valley-wide fund raising efforts for several years in a row.

“Raising dollars for the Valley of the Sun United Way is an important part of our organization's culture of giving.” City Manager Dave Fitzhugh said in a press release. “Year after year, Avondale employees set a high goal for contributions, and have consistently exceeded that goal."

Avondale employees exceeded last year's pledge of $94,207.

“Avondale employees recognize that their contributions are helping to bring needed resources to the most critical human care needs in the community,” Fitzhugh said in the statement. “Whether it's providing additional help for homeless shelters and food banks, enhancing literacy and youth development programs, and ensuring that basic medical and dental care are available to the working poor – Avondale's contribution makes a difference. I am very proud of the success of this year's campaign.”