The United Way of Mesa County kicked off it's annual fundraising drive Tuesday.

It's celebrating its 125th anniversary and this year's campaign goal is $1.25 million.

At the event Monday it announced 35 companies have raised nearly $ 457,325 so far. That's just under 40% of the entire goal.

Members of the board say they are grateful to be starting out in such a good position this year.

“We've been saying all day that this is a very giving community and folks really step up to the plate every year, all the time not just for united way but for other charitable organizations that do fundraising,” co-chair Jerome Gonzales said.

The event was invitation only, around 90 community members showed up for the presentation.

The campaign started a few weeks ago and will end in February.