The United Way of Greater St. Joseph added a step to its campaign on Thursday: Dance United.

During the agency’s progress luncheon at the Wyatt Park Baptist Church, attendees learned a few new moves.

Hadley Douglas, 8, and her mother, Dottie, led a presentation showing how Children’s Mercy Hospital, a United Way agency, has helped the little girl with juvenile diabetes.

The dancing youngster performed a dance to Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb,” illustrating her journey with the illness. The dance earned a standing ovation.

Soon afterward, Miss Hadley had everyone standing, dancing and laughing.

There was reason to celebrate, with a total of $1.9 million raised to date, representing 59 percent of this year’s $3.3 million goal.

“We feel really good about it,” said Bill Severn, campaign chairman. “People are giving the same amount or more this year.”

Campaign volunteers reported the following results: major employers, $1,254,670; large firms, $199,472; Eugene Field, $15,483; Pony Express, $13,560; Robidoux, $24,218; Lewis & Clark, $18,605; Patee, $17,035; metropolitan/business, $9,038; civic, $109,789; professionals, $31,221; medical, $57,350; higher education, $26,539; elementary and secondary education, $34,644; federal, $2,014; and individuals, $145,110.

The seventh annual United Way benefit dinner, hosted by La Dolce Vita Restaurant, will take place on Oct. 29 at the United Ballroom Downtown. Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased by contacting the United Way office.

The United Way of Greater St. Joseph provides support to 18 local health and human service agencies, as well as sponsoring such community initiatives as Success By 6 and Profit in Education.

The United Way campaign will conclude with a victory dinner at the Fulkerson Center, located on Missouri Western State University’s campus, from 6 to 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 5.

Jennifer Hall can be reached

at jennhall@npgco.com.