United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 14th Annual Holiday Ball at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, MD, raising over $150,000. Over 470 guests from across the Shore and beyond rang in the 2016 Holiday Season at the “Event of the Year!” in support of United Way’s 74 critical Education, Financial Stability and Health programs serving the Lower Shore.
Attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a gourmet dinner and high-energy dance music provided by top Washington D.C. band, “Radio City.” Guests also enthusiastically participated in the “Wall of Wine” raffle and bid in United Way’s largest “Perfect Present” silent auction to date, with over 100 fabulous items. The talented Sandy Gillis served as the auctioneer for the live auction, which featured extravagant vacation packages and gourmet dinner parties that had been donated by local businesses and individuals.
United Way’s dedicated Holiday Ball Committee began the planning process in June of this year, spending hundreds of hours to ensure success through securing sponsorships from local businesses, acquiring popular live and silent auction items, assembling stockings for guests when they arrive at the Hyatt Regency for their overnight stay, as well as offering logistical support for transportation, set-up and break-down of the event décor and displays.
This year’s Holiday Ball Committee chair, Connie Strott shared “We are always blown away by the support we receive from local businesses and individuals that make this event the most popular gathering of the year. Most importantly, this event will continue to help our neighbors in need long after the Holiday Season.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 72nd year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 74 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. United Way helps Eastern Shore residents obtain Educational Success by reducing the achievement gap between low and middle income students, Financial Stability by advancing the economic security of families and individuals in our community, and Good Health by improving access to and awareness of local health and wellness services. In 2016, United Way provided nearly $1.4 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
