The 5th 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 130 attendees and highlighted 27 “Jockey” and “Thoroughbred” sponsors from area companies. Over $11,500 was raised to distribute books to local children.
Established in May of 2012, United Way’s Imagination Library literacy program provides free, home-delivered books to local children ages birth to five. The event’s proceeds will supply 5,400 books to be distributed this year among the homes of 450 children in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Dorchester Counties. Currently, Imagination Library has over 2,350 local children enrolled, 1,305 graduates and over 70,000 books delivered to date.
United Way Executive Director, Kathleen Mommé stated, “Our United Way and community has been blessed by the continued support of this program, and we are grateful to the Preakness Palooza organizers, sponsors and attendees for enabling us to provide these books to local at-risk children that need them the most.”
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 62 critical programs in 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. In 2015, United Way provided nearly $1.3 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
