Local United Way beats goal

By Gavin Strube / Special to The Citizen

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 11:39 PM EST

AUBURN - “This community does not give up, this community gives.”
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Mark and Pam Carter sit with their son Angelo at the 2008 United Way Final Report ceremony where it was announced that $1.4 million was contributed this year, despite the economic downturn.
Those were the words of John Latanyshyn, 2008 United Way of Cayuga County board president on Tuesday evening at the Auburn Holiday Inn.

Shortly afterward, James Courtney, the 2008 United Way campaign chair, announced that despite the current economic turmoil, the local United Way surpassed its 2008 goal of $1,380,000 by more than $20,000.

The unveiling of the final contributions, which totaled an astounding $1,400,320.08, was the culmination of a night dedicated to thanking the United Way's supporters, who exceeded expectations in the midst of a global financial crisis.

The United Way's fundraising goal grew from last year's mark of $1,375,000.

Latanyshyn and Courtney could not praise enough the work of those who donated not only money, but their time to this year's efforts.

“The volunteers are absolutely critical to everything we do,” said Latanyshyn, asking all the United Way volunteers present to stand and be recognized for their contributions to the fundraising effort.

United Way annually collects money and then dispenses it to dozens of area charities, from the American Red Cross to the SCAT Van. The programs assisted by United Way help thousands of local people, including the Carter family.

The story of Pam and Mark Carter and their son Angelo was told in promotional videos shown by the United Way during this fundraising season.

It is a powerful and emotional story that brings home the United Way's message. The Carters were guests of honor at the event, with young Angelo laughing and playing with his firetruck, giving an important face to the vital programs funded by the United Way.

The presentation of the final report began with jokes and plenty of good-natured teasing, but Courtney reminded the hundreds present and the community at large, what this number truly means.

“This money will go to over 25,000 people that receive help from United Way,” he said, before shouting triumphantly, “Think about that, Auburn!”

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