AUBURN - In 1943, a soldier stationed in Virginia and a woman who worked at the Pentagon not only fell in love, they also started giving blood to the Red Cross. Nick and Livia Falcicchio - who have been married for 59 years -have been donating both their blood and their time to the Red Cross for more than half a century.

They don't plan on stopping any time soon.

"I'm still going, haven't stopped yet," said Livia, who volunteers to help out at bloodmobiles. "Everybody needs blood."

To show their gratitude for such dedication, the Cayuga County Red Cross held a celebration honoring the Falcicchios as well as the more than 700 registered volunteers in Cayuga County. The event was held Tuesday evening in the Great Hall of the Westminster Presbyterian Church on William Street.

The volunteers - people who have helped teach classes, worked at blood drives, or performed many other services - were treated to a dessert smorgasbord hosted by the board of directors. The night opened with live entertainment from the Cayuga Chords and the harp/vocal combination of Christopher C. Molloy and Lily Stahler Cavanaugh.

"It's recognizing people who've donated time to the Red Cross," said Susan Marteney, executive director of the Cayuga County chapter for four years. "We just invite people to enjoy the evening."

The Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been in service since 1917, and the volunteer celebrations have been around for just as long, as far Marteney can tell. After the music, organizers handed out plaques and awards to recognize helpers from the community.

This year, for the first time, the Red Cross decided to also honor the various groups and organizations in the community that have donated in the past. These include NYSEG, The Citizen, the UPS Store, Daddabbo's Pizza and Pizza Hut, which donates food for Super Babysitting Days, during which the Red Cross trains children over 11 years old to be baby sitters

"Our chapter could not function if we didn't have volunteers," Marteney said.

"This is a very simple way to say thank you."

Awards are handed out each year to volunteers in the blood services, emergency and disaster services, health and safety services, and office workers.

One such recipient was Joe Graceffo, 55, of Auburn, who has been helping in the blood services since Sept. 11. He is unable to donate for health reasons, but he began helping the Red Cross when he worked at the Auburn Correctional Facility. Since retiring, he volunteers where he can at the Sacred Heart Church Blood Drives every two months.

"I'm unable to donate, so I decided to help out instead," said Graceffo. "I was surprised when I read my name in the program; it's an honor."