Happiness was the theme Friday at the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s 2007 Campaign Kickoff.

The event marked the official start of a yearly drive to raise money for the organization, which helps fund 20 local charities. The local United Way also receives state and federal grants.

This year’s goal is $1.6 million, $100,000 more than last year. In 2006, the campaign exceeded it goal by $900,000.

Niki Thompson and her two children – Tiernen, 4, and Taegen, 2 – were the featured speakers at the event, called Creating Happy Lives.

&#8220I want you to see who you’re helping,” said Thompson. &#8220There are two of the hundreds of children that you’re helping in Vicksburg”

Tiernen and Taegen attend day care at Good Shepherd Community Center, a United Way member agency. The center provides low-cost child care.

&#8220Thank you, United Way!” Tiernen shouted as he skipped around the the stage, winding up in the arms of United Way Executive Director Barbara Tolliver.

During the luncheon, campaign chairman Patty Mekus announced that seven of the eight pacesetter companies, who have been collecting funds ahead of the official kickoff, had collected pledges of $423,290.

&#8220That’s over a quarter of the way there, and most of you have not even started your pledge drives,” she said.

Mekus further challenged businesses and donors to increase their pledges by 5 percent.

&#8220Inflation has risen because of Katrina and the war, and a dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to,” she said.

The kickoff wasn’t without its lighter moments.

Volunteers sang and danced to &#8220If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and Larry Gawronski, one of the 2007 campaign’s division chairman, performed to &#8220O Happy Day” and &#8220Put on a Happy Face.”

Ken Rector, also a division chairman, dressed as Bobby McFerrin and sang the 1988 pop hit &#8220Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

&#8220It’s important to let people know what United Way is about,” said Larry Pharr, safety coordinator at Batesville Casket Company. He and human resources director Betty Reed are leading the company’s pledge drive.

&#8220It’s a good thing,” Reed said. &#8220There’s a lot of help that’s needed.”