Not even some early-morning rain could dampen the spirits of volunteers giving their time Thursday morning at the ninth annual United Way drive-thru breakfast fundraiser at the Vernon Lodge.

From 7 to 9 a.m., a steady stream of cars made their way through the drive-thru to make donations as they were served breakfast and had their windows cleaned.

Dozens of volunteers chipped in to make the event a success once again, as $12,240 was raised to go to several local causes.

To make sure everything was up and running by the time the first driver came through, United Way executive director Linda Yule was there early when it was dark out and the rain was falling. She again had plenty of company.

“I’m not the only one who sacrifices. We had students from Fulton out here this morning at five o’clock helping us set up and bringing out all the tables,” she said.

The event is now an annual tradition in Vernon. Volunteers come from local police and fire departments as well as local law firms.

“By 6 o’clock, all the other volunteers, the police, the fire department, some of our board members, some of our agencies come out,” said Yule. “The lawyers are here washing windows. It takes about 50 volunteers by the time all is said and done to make this happen.”

Lawyer Karl Marsden of Nixon Wenger is a veteran of the United Way’s fundraiser. He was up at 6 a.m. to be there again this year and did his part by handling a squeegee.

“Vernon’s a great community and we all know each other,” he said.

“It’s great to come out and help the community and all the various programs that benefit from the United Way.”

He became pretty handy at wiping down drivers’ windows too.

“I don’t know if I’d make any money in Vancouver at it,” he laughed.

“I’m getting the hang of it but I’m not going to give up my day job though, that’s for sure.”

The fundraiser kicked off United Way’s annual campaign and will help local children, families and seniors live healthier and happier lives through various programs.