SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- They were swinging for the fences at Coveleski Field at the United Way of St. Joseph County's Workforce Campaign kick off.

More than 200 companies participated in the annual campaign fundraiser for United Way.

This year, the organization wanted to give those companies a fun way to start the season.

What better way than to knock it out of the park -- or, at least try -- with a homerun derby.

"We're kicking off the chance for people to get involved through giving advocating and volunteering; and this is the beginning of all that fun," said Kay Ball, President and CEO of United Way of St. Joseph County.

The United Way has not set a fundraising goal for this year yet, but Ball said they raised nearly $3 million last year.