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Leaders of Allied Arts announced Thursday evening the 2008 campaign brought in $2.7 million, surpassing the fundraising goal for the year.

The group's goal was $2.6 million.

Allied Arts funds such central Oklahoma endeavors as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Lyric Theatre, Oklahoma Children's Theatre, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition.

The money came from corporate donations, foundation gifts and about 4,000 individual donors, many of whom gave through workplace fundraising campaigns.

Fred Hall, president of the Fred Jones Cos. and co-chairman of the fundraising campaign, said he was overwhelmed by the support from across the community.

"There exists a real understanding that the arts play a vital role in the continued growth and enhanced quality of life throughout central Oklahoma,” Hall said.

"It has been a privilege working on the campaign and helping mobilize funds and awareness for the arts.”