(Zachary Meseck Photo)

NORWICH –  Chenango United Way held a campaign kickoff event on Friday, and announced the organization hopes to raise $425,000 this year for local non-profits.

The event was held on September 27 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich with a variety of prizes for competing golf teams.

Chenango United Way Executive Director Elizabeth Monaco said the organization had increased this year's goal from $419,000 to $425,000 hoping it will add a push towards funding 25 community programs and more than 10 food kitchens and soup pantries.

This year's campaign is anticipated to fund the same programs, food kitchens, and soup pantries as last year's campaign after Chenango United Way undertook a two-year funding campaign for the first time.