United Way of the Southern Tier kicked off its 2011 Community Campaign on August 26 with a family-friendly event at the Nasser Civic Center in Corning.

The more than 2,000 community members who attended "Kick It Up" enjoyed an evening of musical entertainment by Beatlemania Again and Nik and the Nice Guys, as well as children¡¦s activities. The event also included an announcement of this year¡¦s Campaign goal: $4.65 million.

"Our kickoff event was a tremendous boost for starting this year¡¦s Community Campaign; with this momentum we hope to raise a record amount," said Steve Hughes, Vice President of Resource Development. "This year, the needs of the local community are especially great. Recent flooding in neighboring communities has placed tremendous pressure on local disaster relief agencies supported by United Way. Your gift to United Way will help restore these critical resources to respond to this and other future crises, as well as strengthen other community programs and services."

"Kick It Up" guest speaker Judy Rowe, a long-time United Way volunteer and former member of the Board of Directors, discussed what it means to Live United by giving, advocating and volunteering. She also noted the common mission of everyone in attendance.

"I look around and see faces of all ages and races," Ms. Rowe said. "We are all different, yet we stand united in our mission, and United Way¡¦s mission, to improve lives."

United Way of the Southern Tier thanks the many organizations and individuals that made this event possible: