Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting Celebrates $9 Million in Grant Making and Honors Award Recipients

Salisbury, MD – The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore celebrated a total of $9 million in grants made in fiscal year 2026, including more than $1,000,000 in scholarships to local students at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on November 5th. The Foundation also honored four award recipients for their contributions to the local community.

“We are thrilled to celebrate more than $9 million in grants made to our community this year and over $132 million given back to our community since our founding in 1984,” said CFES President Erica Joseph. “As the philanthropic leader of the Lower Eastern Shore, we know our work is made possible because of generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and partners who believe in building a stronger, more connected community.”

The Mary Gladys Jones Volunteer of the Year Award was awarded to Audra Phippin honoring her longstanding commitment to volunteerism and service throughout the community. Described as someone who constantly gives of herself and with her whole heart, she is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years in Wicomico County. She has spent more than two decades supporting Santa’s Angel’s ensuring that all families have a joyous holiday season. She leads the therapy dog program at Behind the Lines Inc., and can often be found with her own “therapy pup” Roxy by her side. For her selfless volunteerism where she has been said to be giving back to the community her entire life, Phippin received a $1,000 gift to designate to the nonprofit of her choice.

The Nonprofit Award of Excellence honoring Richard A. Henson was awarded to Epoch Dream Center, recognizing its leadership, innovation, and lasting contribution to our region. For 13 years, they’ve used their resources wisely, thoughtfully, and intentionally to build and nourish strong community partnerships. They have invested in young people with care and intention, helping to shape the direction of their lives. Each evening, participants and staff share a meal, staff attend school activities, and students benefit from structured after-school programming and onsite behavioral health counseling. With the thoughtful support of an exceptional staff, young people are surrounded by consistent, caring relationships and trusted connections that provide a strong foundation for lasting success. In honor of its dedication to the Lower Shore, Epoch Dream Center received $5,000 to support its mission.

The Frank H. Morris Humanitarian Award was awarded to Hugh Livingston in recognition of his lifelong commitment to community service and philanthropy. Livingston has devoted decades to organizations including Rotary, the Red Cross, Wor-Wic Community College, Boy Scouts of America, Chesapeake Housing Mission, Easterseals Camp Fairlee, and the Fruitland Community Center. During his 21 years on the Wicomico School Building Commission, more than 25 educational facilities were improved or replaced. Through his leadership, business expertise, and generosity, Livingston has helped expand opportunities for young people and inspired many to envision brighter futures as engineers. In recognition of his dedication, he received $2,500 to designate to the charity of his choice.

The Chairman’s Award was presented to Sonya Whited in recognition of her exceptional leadership, dedication, and continued support of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES) and numerous organizations throughout the community. As a founder of the Black Excellence Community Fund, a CFES giving circle, Whited has helped create opportunities for collective philanthropy. A dedicated ambassador for the Foundation, she consistently champions its mission, encourages others to become involved in philanthropy, and leads by example through her generosity. Her commitment to strengthening community connections and supporting organizations that make a difference reflects the spirit of leadership and service this award celebrates.