With a splash of color, the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s annual fundraising campaign is out of the blocks and off to a strong start after raising more than $19,000 during its first ever color run.

More than 750 people registered for the fundraiser 5K walk and run, during which they were doused at several stations and the finish line with brightly colored powder, said Michele Connelly, the director of the local United Way. Earlier in the week, United Way officials announced they expected just over 600 people for the run.

“I think it was better than I ever imagined,” Connelly said.

“This has definitely brought us together to be one in multicolor.”

The event replaced an annual kickoff breakfast and allowed the charitable organization to “be on a bigger stage” and reach a wider audience, Connelly said.

“Our campaign kickoffs in the past have generated awareness and excitement, but it has never raised money. $19,000 is phenomenal,” she said.

After completing the course through downtown Vicksburg, runners Lindsay Pace and Sydney Bufkin paused to take a photograph of themselves covered in colored powder at the corner of Washington and Jackson streets.

“It was very fun. It was a very exciting way to get active,” Bufkin said.

Pace said the fact that entry fees helped support the community drew her to the race.

“I really like that aspect a lot, especially because Vicksburg is growing. It’s really neat to see people support small business and a small community,” Pace said.

Both participated because at the urging of their friend Katye Randolph, whose mother is involved with Shape Up Sisters.

“We just invited everyone who would come,” Randolph said.

In addition to the 750 runners and walkers, about 250 volunteers were at the event, Connelly said.

“It would have not happened without our community and the community support behind us,” Connelly said.

United Way agencies used the opportunity to spread the word about services, platforms and educational opportunities. Most all the agencies — from the American Red Cross to the Vicksburg Y — had booths set up at the end of the color run. Visitors and volunteers filtered in and out throughout the morning

The Salvation Army was using the opportunity to bring awareness to human trafficking, Capt. Srikant Bhatnagar said.

“People are making a lot of money on it. They used to bring people from out of the country but now they are taking the ones here,” Bhatnagar said. “People are not educated about this.”

Offering education on social issues and a wide variety of topics is one of many ways the United Way effects “every aspect of need in the community,” said Joseph Johnson, the executive director of Central Mississippi Prevention Service.

“A community thrives in so many ways based on the educational attainment of its citizens,” Johnson said. “Any United Way is one of the most invaluable agencies in the community. It’s important to make sure the community has a helping hand for those who aren’t as advantaged as others.”

Johnson has participated in man United Way events in the past but said the color run was among his favorites.

“This has evoked so much community involvement and excitement. This particular idea has engendered so much excitement,” Johnson said. “I can only see this getting bigger and bigger.”