AUBURN -- The ballroom at the Auburn Holiday Inn was packed with supporters of the United Way of Cayuga County, all gathered to be a part of the 2006 campaign kickoff.

"It looks like it is going to be exciting," said 2006 board president James DeRusha. "It is going to be another great year. We know what needs to be done in the Cayuga County area."

The United Way's goal has always been to improve the lives of people in Cayuga County through 21 local agencies. It help thousands of people.

In recognition of this, attendees such as state Assemblyman Gary D. Finch and city Mayor Timothy Lattimore, were on hand with proclamations affirming the valuable asset the United Way is in the community and urging support.

"I know we are a small community," Lattimore said. "But it really gives and gives. We need everybody to pledge and help support everything the United Way does."

People like Susan Storms, of Weedsport, who has a degenerative eye disorder that makes it impossible for her to read or drive, has had her life touched by the United Way, using services like the SCAT Van to help her live a more active life and made her an active supporter and spokesperson for the organization.

"I was working in a bank in Syracuse," Storms said. "And I gave to the United Way and felt like it was a good thing. And now I am a recipient of so many agencies. I'm really blessed. It has helped my life so much and now I am able to give something back."

For more, read Thursday's Citizen.