United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held their 2023-2024 Annual Campaign Kickoff event at Salisbury University. This event brought together business and community leaders to hear about the importance of collaboration and working together to meet community needs. The event, presented in partnership with Salisbury University, recognized annual sponsors Perdue Farms, TidalHealth, Avery Hall Insurance Group, PNC Bank and First Shore Federal whose generous support helps with year-long campaign efforts.
The program opened with a beautiful vocal performance by Salisbury University Senior Sophia Merbaum, accompanied by Professor Veronica Tomanek on piano. A warm welcome from Dr. Carolyn Ringer-Lepre, President of Salisbury University, followed. The event featured many interactive elements, kicked off with a guest engagement activity to meet UWLES volunteers, partner agencies and to learn about the programs and services helping our neighbors every day.
Sonya Whited, United Way Board of Directors Chair, shared why she LIVES UNITED, “Years ago, I was introduced to United Way through our workplace campaign and the Emerging Leaders. Being relatively new to the area at the time, this not only expanded my connection to where I live and work, but helped me grow personally, professionally, and philanthropically. Through my volunteerism and giving, I’ve learned about the big and small ways we can positively impact each other every day,” said Whited.
The program’s interactive format continued with guest polling to build awareness about local needs and how over 43% of Lower Shore neighbors are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households struggling to make ends meet each month. Video stories from a combination of United Way’s funded partners, board members, affinity group leaders and workplace campaign coordinators highlighted the local impact every gift makes. Businesses and organizations of any size were encouraged to engage their employees in support of UWLES and its nonprofit partners who provide critical services for 1 in 3 neighbors. “It’s up to each of us to do what we can to lift up each other and create a stronger community for everyone. It’s easy, fun and affordable for anyone to give through workplace campaigns or online. Special events and affinity groups like Women United, Emerging Leaders and Student United Way help expand your personal and professional network and offer meaningful ways to volunteer and give back,” shared Pam Gregory, UWLES President & CEO.
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, holiday events, or other ways to get involved visit the website or call 410.742.5143.
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- Members from our Emerging Leaders affinity group enjoy being together and networking with local leaders.
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- Members from our Women United Affinity Group celebrating the day’s festivities.
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- Pictured left to right Chief of Staff Eli Modlin, Professor Veronica Tomanek, Soloist Sophia Merbaum, President Dr. Lepre, UWLES President & CEO Pam Gregory, UWLES Board Member Mary Mengason and Dr. William Folger.
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- Guests enjoying the engagement activity, an opportunity to connect with local partner agencies, UWLES staff, volunteers, and affinity groups.
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- United Way Board Chair Sonya Whited.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), now in its 79th 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 dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 individuals on the Lower Shore annually. For more information visit uwles.org.
