The United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County kicked off its annual fundraising campaign Thursday. It has set a $5.4 million goal.

Bill Schmeeckle, the 2006 Pacesetter chair, announced $1.5 million was raised by the Pacesetter Division.

Pacesetters are companies that agree to hold their employee campaigns in July and August, prior to the September kickoff.

Rick Saffee, site leader at Pfizer, is the 2006 campaign chairman.

The funds raised will support programs and initiatives to help children and youth succeed, families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency, neighborhoods to be vibrant places to live, and provide a safety net of care and support.

United Way funds 39 agencies that in turn provide 65 programs in the areas of hunger and homelessness, child outreach, and domestic violence.