United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently celebrated the generosity of community members at the 71st Annual Meeting and Community Leaders Celebration at University of Maryland Eastern Shore Student Services Center Ballroom in Princess Anne.
Nearly 230 community members and 75 local organizations 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; an official announcement of United Way surpassing the 2014 Campaign goal of $1.6 million, an awards ceremony, recognition of past United Way Board Presidents and the installation of incoming 2015-2016 United Way Board of Directors.
Incoming 2015-2016 United Way Board President, Cathie Thomas shared, “As a result of the unmatched generosity of so many local companies and individuals, our United Way was able to meet and surpass our campaign goal. Through these donations of hard-earned dollars, our community will see more at-risk children fed, more health and wellness programs provided, more veterans receiving critical services and more homebound seniors receiving meals and companionship.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 71st year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 57 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 2014, United Way impacted local lives by providing over $1.3 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 75,000 individuals. To learn more about United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore visit www.unitedway4us.org or call 410-742-5143.
2014 United Way Annual Meeting Award Recipients
1. 2014 County Campaign Coordinators of the Year
a. 2014 Wicomico Danita Carroll, Chesapeake Utilities
b. 2014 Worcester Lou Brecht & Denise Marshall, Atlantic General Hospital
c. 2014 Somerset Cortney Monar, Princess Anne Elementary
d. 2014 Dorchester Ashley Church, Cambridge International
2. 2014 County Volunteers of the Year
a. 2014 Wicomico Jim Hartstein
b. 2014 Worcester Scott & Lisa Phillips
c. 2014 Somerset Jeff Eichelberger
d. 2014 Dorchester Dean Goodwin
3. Emerging Leader of the Year
Annette Wallace, Pocomoke High School- Pocomoke City, MD
The United Way Emerging Leaders are a group of energetic young professionals who dedicate both time and resources to improving the community. Members of the society donate on the leadership level and participate in volunteer projects, fundraisers and special events throughout the year. The group continues to grow in numbers and in 2014 contributed an astounding $105,000 to United Way. This award honors a member of the group who has demonstrated extraordinary efforts in service to the community through United Way projects and programs.
4. Pocomoke High School Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Sophie Fleming- Pocomoke High School- Pocomoke City, MD
The Pocomoke High School Student United Way Volunteer of the Year award is the first of its kind. This inaugural award honors a student who leads classroom and volunteer projects and demonstrates dedication and passion among members of the first high school Student United Way in the State of Maryland.
5. Salisbury University Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Kyle Eskridge- Salisbury University- Salisbury, MD
The inaugural Salisbury University Student United Way Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a dedicated member of the first Student United Way on the collegiate level in the State of Maryland. The recipient of this award leads a network of over 200 students that have positively impacted over 2,100 local individuals and families through 53 volunteer projects to date.
6. Heart of United Way
Dr. Memo Diriker, Salisbury University–Salisbury, MD
The Heart of United Way Award is bestowed upon an exceptional volunteer leader who personifies the values of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore in all they do. These values include Inclusiveness, Commitment, Compassion and Accountability, to name a few.
7. President’s Trophy
Cathie Thomas, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce- Salisbury, MD
The President’s Trophy is the highest United Way award an individual can receive and honors both dedication and the inspiring volunteer and philanthropic spirit.
8. Spirit of the Shore Award
Gillis Gilkerson– Salisbury, MD
The “Spirit of the Shore” award honors businesses with excellence and leadership in community compassion and overall community service.
9. Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award
Dr. Janet Dudley-Eshbach, Salisbury University – Salisbury, MD
Jim Barrett was one of the most charismatic Eastern Shore community leaders and served as a role model volunteer and humanitarian for the local United Way for 20 years. This award, established in 2005, honors individuals like Jim, who exemplify the qualities of philanthropic leadership.
