The United Way of Greater St. Joseph kicked off its 2015 campaign Thursday at East Hills Shopping Center with nearly $1 million already raised.

The agency announced its goal of $3,154,325 during the event. That’s only about $9,000 more than last year’s goal. Also announced, $898,700 of that goal has already been raised through Pacesetter Companies.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of our Pacesetter Companies, and for the work of our amazing volunteers,” said Sarah Weaver, United Way Campaign Director.

The campaign will run through Nov. 5

“It’s really important that we kick off the campaign with a bang and really get going full-speed ahead because we are helping support our 18 partner agencies and seven initiatives,” Weaver said. “The work that our partner agencies do is just so crucial to our community.”

Partner agencies include American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri, Bartlett Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Inc., The CENTER, A Samaritan Center, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Community Missions Corporation, Family Guidance Center, InterServ, Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Northwest Missouri Community Services, Pony Express Council, Boy Scouts of America, St. Joseph Safety and Health Council, The Salvation Army, Specialty Industries of St. Joseph, Inc., United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri, YMCA, and the YWCA.

The Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri ended its relationship with the United Way earlier this year.

Upcoming United Way Campaign public events include:

· Sept. 3-United Way Campaign Kickoff; 7:15-8:15 a.m. at East Hills Shopping Center Sunporch Cafe

· Sept. 24-United Way Campaign report lunch; 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe fellowship hall

· Oct. 31-United Way Campaign report at Missouri Western home football game half-time (afternoon game/ exact time yet to be determined)

· Nov. 5-United Way Campaign Victory Dinner; 6-8:15 p.m. at Missouri Western Fulkerson Center