Publix, pictured in Cullman above, is announcing an Oct. 14 opening date.

Cullman’s Publix Supermarket raised more than $54,000 for United Way of Cullman County, surpassing expectations in its first fundraising campaign for the non-profit.

The store’s employees and Publix Super Market Charities worked together to raise the money during the 2016 campaign which will go towards United Way’s 15 local agency partners.

“Publix and its employees have made an outstanding commitment to support United Way and Cullman County. We could not continue to meet the needs of our community without their generosity,” Sammie Danford, United Way of Cullman County director. “We are honored and grateful to the employees who give back to the communities they serve”.

On February 20, United Way board, staff and volunteers will visit Publix to say thank you in person, Danford said. Banners and thank you posters will be displayed in the employee break room.

Publix Super Markets, Inc. surpassed their 2016 goal and raised $62 million for local United Ways. Located in only six states, Publix is ranked the third largest United Way donor in the world, and its continued support of communities show the “Strength in Giving.”