United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore celebrated the generosity of community members at the 73rd Annual Meeting and Community Leaders Celebration thanks to University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Over 300 community members and 150 organizations & companies representing Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties attended, providing United Way an opportunity to recognize members of the community who exhibit exceptional generosity for Lower Shore residents in need. Highlights of the meeting included: The official announcement of United Way surpassing the 2017 Campaign goal, raising a record-breaking almost $2.5 million, an awards ceremony honoring volunteers and outstanding service, and the installation of incoming United Way Board of Directors.
Incoming United Way Board Chair, Dana Seiler shared, “Generosity is at the heart of the hundreds of local companies and individuals who support their community through our United Way. Giving children the opportunity to learn and improve their reading skills, bringing awareness to the opioid epidemic, and helping families succeed during difficult times, the impact these donations of hard-earned dollars have across the lower shore are far greater than we can ever imagine.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 74th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 80 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 2017, United Way provided over $1.4 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 84,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
2017 United Way Award Recipients
1. 2017 County Campaign Coordinators of the Year
a. Wicomico Katherine Hairsine, Pohanka Automotive Group
b. Worcester Eric Lagstrom, Town of Ocean City
c. Somerset Somerset County Public Schools Campaign Team
d. Dorchester Sandra Tripp-Jones & Kathy Foster, City of Cambridge
2. 2017 County Volunteers of the Year
a. Wicomico Beth Reid, Healogics Wound Care at Peninsula Regional Medical Center
b. Worcester Cole Taustin, BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar and Embers Restaurant
c. Somerset Cortney Monar, Princess Anne Elementary
d. Dorchester Brad Sutliffe, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Dean Goodwin, RPS ISG International!
3. Women United Volunteer of the Year
Lois Hartstein
4. Emerging Leader of the Year
Michelle Sadler, Perdue Farms
5. Salisbury University Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Eleanor Brown
6. Wor-Wic Community College Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Cory Davis
7. Flame of Excellence Award
Wicomico County Public Schools
8. Heart of United Way
Jennifer Cannon and Amy Wingate, Perdue Farms
9. President’s Trophy
Dana Seiler, Vantage Point Solutions Group
10. Spirit of the Shore Award
Salisbury University
11. Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award
Memo Diriker, BEACON at Salisbury University
