United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore celebrated the generosity of community members at the 72nd Annual Meeting and Community Leaders Celebration thanks to University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Over 300 community members and 150 organizations & companies 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: The official announcement of United Way surpassing the 2016 Campaign goal, raising a record breaking $2.2 million, an awards ceremony honoring volunteers and outstanding service, and the installation of incoming United Way Board of Directors.
Incoming United Way Board President, Jim Hartstein shared, “This has been an incredible year. Our community has strongly supported our United Way to bring hope and support to our most vulnerable neighbors on the Shore. Surpassing the campaign goal means more local at-risk children will reach their full potential, more local senior citizens will not go hungry and more local veterans will receive critical health care services.”
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 73rd year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 74 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 2016, United Way provided nearly $1.4 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 80,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
2016 United Way Award Recipients
1. 2016 County Campaign Coordinators of the Year
a. Wicomico Mark Thompson & the WCBOE Team, Wicomico County Public Schools
b. Worcester Eric Lagstrom, Town of Ocean City
c. Somerset Gary Kitching and Michelle Taylor, Somerset County Commissioners
d. Dorchester Lisa Fatica, Interstate Container
2. 2016 County Volunteers of the Year
a. Wicomico Dana Seiler, Vantage Point Solutions Group
b. Worcester Cole Taustin, BLU Crabhouse & Raw Bar and Embers Restaurant
c. Somerset Kimberly Conway-Dumpson, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
d. Dorchester Jennifer Layton, Layton’s Chance Winery
3. Emerging Leader of the Year
Candice Schroepfer, Perdue Farms
4. Salisbury University Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Katie Kirby, Salisbury University
5. Pocomoke High School Student United Way Volunteer of the Year
Gracie Boyce, Pocomoke High School
6. Flame of Excellence Award
Worcester County Board of Education
7. Heart of United Way
Connie Strott, Law Office of George G. Strott, Jr.
8. President’s Trophy
Jim Hartstein, The Insurance Market
9. Spirit of the Shore Award
Somerset County Public Schools
10. Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award
Susan Purnell, Kuhn’s Jewelers
President’s Trophy: Jim Hartstein, The Insurance Market
Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award: Susan Purnell, Kuhn’s Jewelers
