United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently welcomed back guests as they held the 2021-2022 Annual Campaign Kickoff event at Salisbury University’s Sea Gull Stadium. This hybrid event brought together business and community leaders both in the stadium and online to hear about the impact that UWLES has in our community and the importance of partnerships in meeting community needs. The event was presented in partnership with Salisbury University and recognized annual sponsors, including: Campaign Sponsors – Perdue Farms & Avery Hall Insurance Group; Anchor Society Sponsor – PNC Bank; Leadership Sponsor – First Shore Federal; and Get Connected Volunteer Center Sponsor – Bank of America.
Led by Roger Follebout of TidalHealth as the Master of Ceremonies, the program began with a warm welcome from Dr. Charles Wight, President of Salisbury University, along with the singing of the national anthem led by Professor of Music, Dr. William Folger. Joy Strand, Chairperson of United Way’s Board of Directors announced the completion of UWLES’ new strategic plan, facilitated by BEACON at Salisbury University.
“As we prioritize and invest in programs and services to meet evolving community needs, and embrace opportunities to advance and inspire diversity, equity and inclusion through this important work, we need your help. Together, we can strengthen community awareness and engagement through advocacy, partnerships and additional ways to give and get involved,” said Strand.
Businesses and organizations of any size were encouraged to engage their employees to support UWLES and its 40 nonprofit partners who provide critical services for 1 in 3 local neighbors. The event focused on the campaign theme of Together, We LIVE UNITED and emphasized how anyone in our community can make a difference through easy opportunities to give, advocate and volunteer.
Highlighted were stories from United Way’s funded partners representing each of the foundational pillars that UWLES supports: Health, Education & Financial Stability. Inspirational videos, sponsored by TidalHealth, shared how United Way’s impact on the Lower Shore goes beyond just the dollars invested. Guest speakers included: Jamie Manning, Life Crisis Center & MD 211, Carol Zimmerman, MAC, Inc., and Kevin Kruetner, Salisbury Urban Ministries Kid’s Café. The videos, along with the entire broadcast recorded by PAC14, are available online at uwles.org or on Facebook (@uwles). To find out more about offering a workplace campaign or other ways to get involved visit the website, or call 410.742.5143.
Dr. Charles Wight, President of Salisbury University welcomed guests to Sea Gull Stadium for the UWLES Annual Campaign Kickoff.
Students from Salisbury University’s Student United Way, Jaydon Fogo, Jaleel Neal & Rachel Evans, volunteered to assist guests during the UWLES Annual Campaign Kickoff.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), now in its 77th year of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. UWLES helps empower Lower Shore residents to achieve better health by addressing barriers to care, educational success by reducing the achievement gap between low- and middle-income students, and financial stability by advancing the economic security of families and individuals. United Way provides direct services, collaborates with local stakeholders, and
supports 40 nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 individuals on the Lower Shore annually. For more information visit uwles.org.
