Salisbury, MD – The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore honored four award recipients and celebrated annual grant-making efforts at its Annual Meeting and Report to the Community on November 1st. The Foundation announced a total of $6.8 million in grants made in fiscal year 2024, including more than $637,000 in scholarships to local students. The foundation also celebrated its first ever 40 Under 40 in Philanthropy honorees, awarded to those under the age of 40 who give back to the local community as philanthropic leaders.
“In our 40th year we are celebrating not only our annual impact, but also more than $114 million in grantmaking since our founding in 1984,” says CFES President, Erica Joseph. “As the Lower Eastern Shore’s leader in philanthropic giving and grantmaking, our many accomplishments would not be possible without the continued generosity of our donors, volunteers, and partners who have come together to help create the organization that we are today.”
The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Mrs. Bonnie Kreiser honoring her commitment to volunteering and unselfish contributions to her community and through her work with the Epoch Dream Center. She has empowered others through mentorship, a positive attitude and altruistic actions, and has inspired others to do the same. For her unwavering dedication and love for the local community Mrs. Kreiser will receive a $1,000 gift to designate to the charity of her choice.
The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Lower Shore Land Trust. Having served the Lower Shore for more than 30 years, LSLT works with the community to conserve and protect the heritage, landscapes, and wildlife that makes the Lower Shore special. They have followed the highest standards through their conservation work, stewardship, and governance practices, and have met stringent requirements of accreditation, established investments to ensure sufficient operating reserves, and are committed to ongoing strategic planning to advance their work. In honor of their dedication, Lower Shore Land Trust will receive $5,000 to support their work.
The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Leighton Moore for exemplifying the qualities of leadership, selflessness, compassion, and generosity to our community. He has helped the less fortunate, supported numerous nonprofits and charitable causes, and dedicated his time through service and fundraising throughout the Lower Shore. For his humble dedication to the betterment of others, Mr. Moore will receive a $2,500 gift to designate to the charity of his choice.
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Dr. Carolyn Johnston for her invaluable service and dedication to the Community Foundation. Through her passion for helping others, she has served in nearly every leadership role at the Foundation through her 12 years of service. Her willingness to always step up, fill in any voids, and advance the mission of the Community Foundation epitomizes leadership and excellence.
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- The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Bonnie Kreiser (right) presented by Dr. Melissa Granger (left).
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- The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Lower Shore Land Trust, pictured with CFES Chairwoman Velda Henry (third from left) and LSLT staff members. L to R: LSLT staff members Jared Parks, Margo Resto, Matt Heim, Frank Deuter, Tasha Haight, Brooke Orr, and Beth Sheppard.
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- The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Mr. Leighton Moore.
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- The Chairman’s Award was presented to Dr. Carolyn Johnston for her many years of dedicated service to the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
About the Community Foundation: As leaders, grant makers, and stewards of philanthropy, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore connects people who care to causes that matter for the common good of the Lower Eastern Shore. We are a 501c3 nonprofit with an inspiring history of fostering charitable endeavors, and have provided $114 million in grants and scholarships to the local community since 1984. We collaborate with individuals, families, and businesses to match their charitable interests with community needs and strengthen local nonprofits through grants and resources. We are devoted to improving our regional community and believe in the power of philanthropy.
For information contact: Victoria Kent, Marketing Officer | 410-742-9911 |vkent@CFES.org
