The United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area kicked off its 93rd annual fundraising campaign at the Utica Zoo Thursday night.

This year's fundraising goal is $2.3 million and will be the first time in six years that the United Way has shown an increase in campaign funds if that goal is reached.

The United Way's Brenda Episcopo says their pace-setter companies have already begun their campaigns and raised more than $390,000 toward that goal.

Episcopo said as of right now the United Way is meeting 58% of the requests that come from the community, and reaching their 2014 goal will raise that number significantly.

For more information on how to donate, visit the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area website.

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