The United Way of West Central Mississippi is preparing to get its annual fundraising campaign season off and running like never before.

The United Way Campaign Cabinet met Thursday to discuss this year’s campaign goals and objectives, setting as their goal for this year’s campaign at $1.235 million.

“We’re meeting today to set our goals for the campaign,” said Katie Ferrell, campaign chairperson. “We will go over the historical data over the last several years and what has been accomplished through those campaigns, and then also discuss what our goals are for this upcoming year.”

United Way’s campaign season begins Saturday, Sept. 19 with the True Color Run and will end Nov. 30.

“When we’re out there beating the streets, knocking on doors, making calls, that all occurs during those 60 days,” Ferrell said.

Executive director Michele Connelly said the 2015 campaign would be filled with “lots of excitement, but lots of changes.”

“We want to continue to evolve and change as our society evolves and changes when it comes to non-profits and giving and donating,” Ferrell said.

Reaching a wider audience is an important change for to the organization this year.

In the past, the United Way reached out to the same group of around 125 people through a campaign kick-off breakfast. This year the run has already more than doubled that number, by having 325 registrants to date with a month to go before the event.

“The color run kick off is a prime example of this huge platform that we’re creating to really get the message out,” Ferrell said.

This is the first year the campaign kick-off has generated revenue for the United Way’s 22 partner agencies. Sponsors have given enough money to cover the cost of the run. And, because the run has been paid for, all registration fees from participants will go directly to the campaign and to the agencies.

“For the first time ever, we are beginning our campaign in the black,” Ferrell said.

People who don’t run or walk can still participate by attending the after party or volunteering their time to make the race successful. United Way is looking for people and businesses to line the streets and encourage participants as they run and walk.

The group is also targeting school participation. Children in need of service hours can volunteer to help with the run. Also, the school with the most supporters participating in the race will win $500 for its school’s library. Participants will be asked what school they are running for on their registration form. The winner will be announced the day of the race.

“We want to have fun and enjoy this mission that we are on to advance the common good within our community, and we want to reduce complacency in this new year,” Ferrell said.

The cabinet consists of Amy Haygood, account manager; Elyce Curry, prospects; Gregory Jackson, large firms; Annette Kirklin, professionals; Sam Porter, commercial; Regina Prentiss and Jan Daigre, local government co-chairs; Charolette Grant, schools chair; Vincent Durman and Pam Durman, small business co-chairs and Launo Moore, special gifts.

“I feel like we have already accomplished so much, and the campaign hasn’t started,” Ferrell said.