AUBURN - The United Way of Cayuga County is known for setting high standards and even higher goals to help serve the people and the agencies that serve them within Auburn and Cayuga County.

This year, at the United Way's 2008 Kickoff at the Holiday Inn, the United Way has set its highest goal to date, aiming to raise $1,380,000.

It was a festive atmosphere in the Holiday Inn banquet room, which was made up to look like a national political convention to coincide with the presidential race, with red, white and blue adorning the room, from balloons to flags to celebrate the theme of this year's campaign, “Live United ... Give United.”

John Latanyshyn, 2008 United Way board president, spoke about what the United Way offers in Auburn and Cayuga County, stating that all the funds raised every year stay in the area to help local people.

Latanyshyn also said that every year, the people and businesses of this community never cease to surprise the United Way to rise to the challenge to meet and exceed the organization's goals, something he is certain will happen even with the difficult economic times so many face.

“We have set a goal that is greater than last year,” Latanyshyn said.

“This is a time of greater need and I know that everyone here will dig deeper to get us to the level that we need to be.”

Latanyshyn introduced this year's campaign chair, James Courtney, whom he said was the ideal candidate, given that Courtney knows many people in the community, has a determination for projects to succeed and is a person that never takes no for an answer.

Courtney understands the difficult economic times, but believes this really serves as more inspiration to meet the challenge to help those that are struggling the most.

“The economy is tough,” Courtney said. “The Auburn community has a unique way to rise to the occasion. You only have to look around you; there are 260-plus supporters of United Way here. With a group of volunteers like this we can do almost anything.”

Funds raised for United Way go to support numerous organizations in Cayuga County, including the American Red Cross Cayuga County Chapter, C.H.A.D., the Salvation Army and the Food Bank of Central New York.

A brief film detailing the story of one family that has benefited from the funding the United Way makes possible was shown.

Pam and Mark Carter, and their young son Angelo, have an incredible and touching story. Pam was born with cerebral palsy and Mark was in a car accident that left him impaired.

In the film, the couple said they have benefited from many of the services made possible through United Way, such as the YMCA and the SCAT Van.

Pam said it had always been her dream to be a mother, and since giving birth to her healthy boy, these services have touched the family's life even deeper.

“They are an inspiration.” Courtney said.

“They want to lead as independent a life as possible, this is the reason they are able to, because of the United Way. They wouldn't be able to lead as independent a life as they do without these agencies.”

Courtney announced the pace-setter companies that work hard every year to help the campaign get off to a strong start.

With the help of companies such as Five Star Bank, NUCOR and Wegmans, among others, the 2008 campaign has already raised $220,000.

“We are off to a great start,” Courtney said.

“You can all be proud. The economy is tough, but I am confident that our goal is reachable.”