Nineteen organizations put the United Way of Douglas County fundraising campaign on pace for a record year.

The “Pacesetters” raised a record $377,000 during their campaigns Aug. 17-Sept. 8. It was a 3 percent increase from last year’s total.

The amount was announced Tuesday during the 2006-2007 campaign kickoff breakfast at the Lied Center.

“The people in the city of Lawrence are really giving,” said Cindy Self, who co-chaired the annual Pacesetter campaign with her husband, Bill Self, Kansas University’s men’s basketball coach. “It’s a terrific community.”

Colleen Gregoire, campaign manager, said the early Pacesetter campaign is important in establishing momentum for the larger United Way campaign, which raises funds to support 26 local health and human service agencies.

The World Company's Karin Dougherty, left, and Kelly Calvert inspect the Pacesetter Superstar Trophy at the 2006-2007 United Way Campaign Kickoff event. Nineteen Pacesetters raised a record 77,000 to launch the fundraising campaign toward a record year. The event was Tuesday at the Lied Center.

She said the Pacesetter total bodes well for the overall campaign, which runs until Nov. 12. The goal is to top last year’s total of $1.58 million and raise $1.6 million.

Richard Konzem, who is chairing the United Way campaign with his wife, Debbie, said he likes to refer to himself as the head coach of a team.

“You will only be as good as your players,” he said. “To be successful, you need good assistants and good players.”

The World Company, which owns the Journal-World, received the Pacesetter Superstar Trophy for having the greatest percentage of increase in this year’s pledge amount. The company raised $81,400, a 36 percent increase from last year.

Gregoire called the amount “very significant” compared with others.

“We certainly finished ahead of last year,” Konzem said. “I feel really good about the campaign and like the momentum the Pacesetters have provided.”

Pacesetters were Callahan Creek, Capitol Federal Savings, Cardinal Brands, Central National Bank, Charlton Manley Insurance, Coldwell Banker McGrew Real Estate, Commerce Bank, CornerBank, Douglas County Bank, Douglas County Government, KU Pacesetter Team, Laird Noller Ford, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Peoples Bank, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Stephens Real Estate, US Bank, Wal-Mart and The World Company.