The 3rd annual Preakness Palooza recently took place at Evolution Craft Brewing Company to benefit United Way’s Imagination Library program. The event, hosted by Brad Sutliffe and Dean Goodwin of RPS ISG International, attracted over 125 attendees and highlighted 25 “Jockey” and “Thoroughbred” sponsors from area companies. Over $9,450 was raised to distribute books to local children.
Brad Sutliffe, Director of Employee Benefit Solutions at RPS ISG International and co-coordinator of the event has two young children involved in the Imagination Library program. Sutliffe shares, “It is a great joy to watch their excitement on a month-to-month basis as they run to the mailbox and open their books. It truly makes all the hard work worth it.”
Established in May of 2012, United Way’s Imagination Library is a literacy program providing free, home-delivered books to local children ages birth to five. The event’s proceeds will supply 3,800 books to be distributed this year among the homes of 315 children in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. Currently, Imagination Library has over 1,600 local children enrolled, 450 graduates and almost 26,000 books delivered to date. United Way Assistant Director Amy Luppens stated, “Our United Way has experienced a heartwarming response to this program and we are so grateful to the Preakness Palooza organizers and sponsors for enabling us to provide these books to the local at-risk children that need them the most.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 70th year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be largest non-governmental source of funding for 56 critical programs in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore helps Eastern Shore residents achieve educational success, income stability and good health. In 2013, United Way impacted local lives by providing over $1 million to community programs and helped over 70,000 individuals. To learn more about United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore visit www.unitedway4us.org or call 410-742-5143.
Photo Caption –
Preakness Palooza co-coordinators, Dean Goodwin and Brad Sutliffe of RPS ISG International, proudly display Imagination Library books with RPS ISG International President, Steven Robinson.
Preakness Palooza recently raised $9,450 for United Way’s Imagination Library Program to provide free, home-delivered books to local children ages birth to five.
