Board members of the United Way of Butler County will race small vehicles for a big cause.

The organization will kick off its annual fundraising campaign on Sept. 19 with a tricycle race at Baglier Buick GMC on Route 8.

The 200-foot race, coined the “Live United Tricycle 500,” will feature 27 board members and Leslie Osche, the executive director.

“I think this is an exciting way to kick off a good start to the campaign,” Osche said.

The organization seeks to raise $1.65 million this year with $10,000 of that coming from the race.

The United Way sought to raise that amount last year but ended up collecting $1.48 million.

“Last year there were quite a few people in the community we needed to help, but were not able to,” said Judy Brinkman, chairman of this year's campaign.

To ensure the agency hits the mark this year, organizers hope to get off to a good start with the tricycle race.

The board members are fundraising for the event. To hit the $10,000, mark, each racer needs to raise about $370.

The race will feature different heats of four or five riders pedaling up and down a 100-foot track in the dealership's parking lot.

A top race winner will be crowned as will the top fundraiser.

“We're calling it the Fund Racer Award,” Osche said.

The race is a different way to start the campaign, Osche said.

The annual fundraising effort usually begins with the charity's “Week of Caring” promotion, but that was pushed back until October.

“A lot of companies we work with wanted to have projects in October,” Osche said of the change. “And we wanted to get more school students involved this year, and that's hard to do a week into September.”

The campaign mainly takes place during the fall, with some follow-up activities in the spring.

The charity has had kickoff events in the past, but nothing that compares to the race, Osche said.

“Everything was pretty low key in the past,” she said. “There wasn't anything as fun or exciting as this.”

It's something all the members seem to be enjoying.

“I know everyone is having so much fun with it,” Osche said. “Right now the members are trying to figure out how to trick their trike.”

Brinkman said she is looking forward to the ride.

“It should be a lot of fun,” she said. “We're hoping the community will come out to support us.”

In addition to raising money through the race, Osche said each of the tricycles will be donated to charity.

“Assuming the trikes survive, we'll donate them to partner agencies,” she said. “Particularly those involved directly with children or that have Christmas donation programs.”

Osche said the United Way bought 30 tricycles from Harbor Freight. She said the bikes have adjustable seats and handlebars as well as a relatively big 13-inch off-road front tire.

While racing is limited to the board members, or possible replacement riders if needed, Osche said guests are encouraged to show up to support the cause.

There will be an opening reception at the dealership at 8 a.m.

The money the United Way raises fund a number of social service agencies.

The United Way of Butler County has a goal to raise $1.65 million this campaign season.To donate, call the United Way at 724-285-4883 or visit www.butlerunitedway.org.