United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 14th Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast to launch the 2018 “LIVE UNITED & Open Doors” campaign season. Generously sponsored by Salisbury University, the breakfast brought together over 225 business and community leaders to hear how United Way “Opens Doors” for neighbors in need through direct services and financial support for 81 local programs focused in Health, Education and Financial Stability.
Led by Roger Follebout of Peninsula Regional Medical Center as the Master of Ceremonies, the event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Karen Olmstead, Interim Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. Attendees then enjoyed SU Student, Lance Fisher, who led the National Anthem, followed by a moving acapella performance by Salisbury University’s Squawkapella student-led choir.
This year’s breakfast featured a discussion panel on “The Win-Win of Community Engagement” with local leaders sharing how their partnership with United Way makes a difference in both their workplace culture and external relationships, while helping the community at large. Panelists included Honorary Breakfast Host Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, Steve Leonard, President & CEO of Peninsula Regional Medical Center & Peninsula Regional Health System, Claudia Nagle, Executive Director of Diakonia, and Dean Goodwin, Marketing Director of RPS International. In addition, Curtis Paul, Executive Director of the Recovery Resource Center, delivered an inspiring testimonial about his own experience with addiction, and how he has been led to help others become successful in their recovery.
Dana Seiler, Chairman of United Way’s Board of Directors, Jim Hartstein, Executive Vice Chair & Immediate Past Chair, and Pam Gregory, Interim President & CEO, officially kicked off the 2018 United Way Campaign sharing how together our community can Open Doors and continue to make a difference for 1 in 3 Lower Shore neighbors through campaign participation, collaborative opportunities and volunteerism.
“We are a community of like-minded people who love our neighbors in need. I am looking forward to another fantastic year as we combine our talents, resources and dedication to open doors of opportunity through our agency partners and programs,” shared Dana Seiler.
Pam Gregory stated, “We are so thankful to Salisbury University for making this event possible, allowing us to once again bring together community leaders in one of our largest kickoff events ever. The positive energy in the room to “LIVE UNITED & Open Doors” was palpable and provided a fantastic start for our annual campaign. We are honored to be the stewards for thousands of local donors, to ensure gifts of any size are maximized and invested in Lower Shore programs making a measurable difference in the lives of our neighbors every day.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 74th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore provides funding and direct services for over 80 critical programs serving 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. United Way provides over $1.6 million to community programs, impacting 1 of every 3 individuals on the Lower Shore. For more information on United Way or to get involved, visit www.unitedway4us.org or on Facebook @uwles.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1: United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 14th Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast to start the 2018 “LIVE UNITED & Open Doors” campaign. Generously sponsored by Salisbury University, the breakfast brought over 225 business and community leaders together.
Photo 2: The Campaign Kick-Off featured inspirational remarks from business leaders, non-profit partners, Salisbury University & United Way Board & Staff. Pictured (L-R): Dana Seiler, Chairman of the United Way Board, Jim Hartstein, Executive Vice Chair & Past Chair of the Board, Roger Follebout, Community Relations Director at Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Master of Ceremonies at the event, Pam Gregory, Interim President & CEO of United Way, Claudia Nagle, Executive Director of Diakonia, Dean Goodwin, Marketing Director of RPS International, Curtis Paul, Executive Director of the Recovery Resource Center, Steve Leonard, President & CEO of Peninsula Regional Medical Center & Peninsula Regional Health System, Dr. Karen Olmstead, Interim Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Salisbury University, Captain Matt Trantham, Salvation Army Lower Eastern Shore, and Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms.
Photo 3: A highlight of the event was “The Win-Win of Community Engagement” panel with community leaders discussing how their partnership with United Way makes a difference for both their business and the community. Pictured (L-R): Roger Follebout, Community Relations Director for Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Master of Ceremonies at the event, Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, Steve Leonard, President & CEO of Peninsula Regional Medical Center & Peninsula Regional Health System, Claudia Nagle, Executive Director of Diakonia, and Dean Goodwin, Marketing Director of RPS International.
Photo 4: Curtis Paul, Executive Director of the Recovery Resource Center, gave an unforgettable testimony on overcoming addiction, resulting in a standing ovation.
Photo 5: Salisbury University Student United Way enthusiastically welcomed and directed guests for United Way’s Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast.
