The Portage Plains United Way's 2017 fundraising year started off with a barbecue Thursday outside their office in Portage la Prairie.

Over 250 people stopped by to pick up something to eat or enter the silent auction, all the while supporting the United Way and the work they do.

"We do these fundraisers to raise funds that go right toward the Portage Plains United Way, which allows us to continue funding our 11 agencies," says executive director Mandy Dubois."We'll be able to continue giving out money with our community response grants and doing the work we do in the community."

Scotiabank stepped up and offered to match every dollar raised at the event including barbecue and silent auction sales.

"We've always supported United Way and it's a great cause," says Kelly Panko with Scotiabank in Portage. "We like that the money they raise stays in the community. It's a very good thing that they do."

Dubois adds they won't be releasing their campaign goal until about September but it should be around the $250,000 mark. Dubois wants to thank Simplot for donating and cooking, fries at the barbeque to add to the event.