AUBURN - Even after passing away, Christian Lewis is an inspiration to everyone who knew him.
Glenn Gaston / Special to The Citizen
2007 United Way co-chairs Jean and Tom Lewis stand in front of the banner used for this year's campaign.
2007 United Way co-chairs Jean and Tom Lewis stand in front of the banner used for this year's campaign.
The former Auburn resident developed a brain tumor at the age of 15 and passed away in 2004. But his remarkable attitude, even in the face of unbelievable adversity, had an amazing effect on all those around him.
Lewis' extraordinary life is the impetus for his parents, Tom and Jean, who are co-chairs for the United Way of Cayuga County's Campaign 2007.
On Wednesday, the organization held its annual Campaign Kickoff at the Holiday Inn, and the affair included food and entertainment, speeches by United Way officers and local personalities and a short film about the Lewises' fundraising efforts.
“The vehicle we're using for this campaign is Christian and his excellent outlook on life,” Tom Lewis said during the event.
The annual campaign, which concludes on Dec. 6, sees United Way staff members and volunteers solicit local businesses and individuals for donations, he continued.
The goal of this year's campaign is $1,375,000, more than $200,000 of which has already been raised, Jean Lewis added.
“The best thing is, all the money raised will stay right here in Cayuga county,” she said.
The local United Way chapter aids 21 local agencies, including the American Red Cross, Neighborhood House and Options for Independence.
“Christian received services from E. John Gavras Center, which is an agency partly funded by the United Way,” Jean Lewis said. “So when they asked us to chair (the campaign) this year, we instantly agreed.”
The theme for this year's kickoff event was a pep rally, so the tables in the hotel ballroom were festooned with sports-related items.
As guests entered, Bob Piorun and the Convertibles played a mix of jazz and rock cover tunes, and every table was soon filled with guests.
The night's emcee was John Latanyshyn, president of the chapter's board of directors. To begin the program, Latanyshyn introduced the political figures present, along with United Way board and staff members.
Jean and Tom Lewis spoke next.
“You all gave to us during Christian's illness, so now it's time for us to give back to you,” Jean Lewis told the crowd.
Then a short film played on the projection screen at the front of the room, which included photos of Christian as he grew up and interviews with staff members of agencies the United Way supports. Numerous tears were shed during the video.
In keeping with the pep rally theme, special remarks were given by Auburn High School football coach Dave Moskov.
“I tell my team that at some point, they'll experience a 'moment of truth,' like the death of a family member or something equally tragic,” he said. “The United Way, and the agencies it supports, make those moments of truth easier for a lot of people.”
Also on hand was Mary Ellen Perry, of Freedom Recreational Services, another agency supported by the United Way.
“If it were not for the United Way, and the services they provide throughout the county, we just wouldn't be able to provide the services we do,” she said. “I'm sure anyone from any agency would sit at this table and tell you the same story. They really are the helping hand.”
To learn more
To donate to the United Way's Campaign 2007, call 253-9741, or visit www.unitedwayofcayugacounty.org
Lewis' extraordinary life is the impetus for his parents, Tom and Jean, who are co-chairs for the United Way of Cayuga County's Campaign 2007.
On Wednesday, the organization held its annual Campaign Kickoff at the Holiday Inn, and the affair included food and entertainment, speeches by United Way officers and local personalities and a short film about the Lewises' fundraising efforts.
“The vehicle we're using for this campaign is Christian and his excellent outlook on life,” Tom Lewis said during the event.
The annual campaign, which concludes on Dec. 6, sees United Way staff members and volunteers solicit local businesses and individuals for donations, he continued.
The goal of this year's campaign is $1,375,000, more than $200,000 of which has already been raised, Jean Lewis added.
“The best thing is, all the money raised will stay right here in Cayuga county,” she said.
The local United Way chapter aids 21 local agencies, including the American Red Cross, Neighborhood House and Options for Independence.
“Christian received services from E. John Gavras Center, which is an agency partly funded by the United Way,” Jean Lewis said. “So when they asked us to chair (the campaign) this year, we instantly agreed.”
The theme for this year's kickoff event was a pep rally, so the tables in the hotel ballroom were festooned with sports-related items.
As guests entered, Bob Piorun and the Convertibles played a mix of jazz and rock cover tunes, and every table was soon filled with guests.
The night's emcee was John Latanyshyn, president of the chapter's board of directors. To begin the program, Latanyshyn introduced the political figures present, along with United Way board and staff members.
Jean and Tom Lewis spoke next.
“You all gave to us during Christian's illness, so now it's time for us to give back to you,” Jean Lewis told the crowd.
Then a short film played on the projection screen at the front of the room, which included photos of Christian as he grew up and interviews with staff members of agencies the United Way supports. Numerous tears were shed during the video.
In keeping with the pep rally theme, special remarks were given by Auburn High School football coach Dave Moskov.
“I tell my team that at some point, they'll experience a 'moment of truth,' like the death of a family member or something equally tragic,” he said. “The United Way, and the agencies it supports, make those moments of truth easier for a lot of people.”
Also on hand was Mary Ellen Perry, of Freedom Recreational Services, another agency supported by the United Way.
“If it were not for the United Way, and the services they provide throughout the county, we just wouldn't be able to provide the services we do,” she said. “I'm sure anyone from any agency would sit at this table and tell you the same story. They really are the helping hand.”
To learn more
To donate to the United Way's Campaign 2007, call 253-9741, or visit www.unitedwayofcayugacounty.org
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