The United Way of Mesa County is gearing up for what it hopes will be another record breaking year for contributions. The Pacesetter portion of the 2005–2006 campaign kicked Thursday morning. Doug and Jamee Simons, owners of Enstrom Candies will serve as the campaign co–chairs.

The Simons, along with 23 volunteers on their campaign cabinet, are raising the bar for this year's campaign goal by $200,000,
making it $1.2 million dollars.

Last year, the United Way of Mesa County raised a little more than $1 million dollars for non–profit organizations, the most ever. 77%of those funds came from Pacesetter companies, and is
the reason why Thursday's kick–off is so important.

26 companies and 17 human service agencies are considered Pacesetters. Tthese groups begin their workplace campaigns a month before the community–wide drive that is scheduled to get underway September 19th.

FOR MORE ON THE UNITED WAY OF MESA COUNTY

© KKCO NBC 11 News - All Rights Reserved