CONYERS - The United Way of Greater Atlanta held its official kickoff event its annual fundraising campaign for 2015 Thursday, Sept. 3 at Rockdale Medical Center.

This year's goal for the organization is to raise at least $305,000, says campaign chairman Moses Kabia, who also works for Bank of America. That total would be nearly $15,000 more than what the organization generated last year and $37,000 more than 2013's final fundraising total.

"I look forward to exceeding that goal," said Kabia. 

A major factor in helping the non-profit organization reach its mark will be the 15th Annual Family Promise of NewRock and United Way BBQ. This community favorite event is done in collaboration with Jim N' Nicks BBQ, 2275 Georgia Hwy 20, Conyers, which supplies the food, and the Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) Culinary Arts department, which has students help prepare the food.

Claire Cline, regional director of United Way for Rockdale, Henry and Butts Counties, says that the United Way wants to sell at least 3,000 plates for the event. At $10 a plate, which includes bbq meat, cole slaw and baked beans, that would generate nearly $30,000 for the group.

All funds raised will be spread throughout the community to different partner organizations.

"That's a lot of plates of BBQ folks, but all the money will stay here in the community," said Cline to a round of applause from the crowd.

The BBQ event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at RCA, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers, on Sept. 24. For more information or to place orders, call 770-761-9244.