United Way Celebrates 20th Holiday Ball

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES) celebrated their 20th Annual Holiday Ball at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort in Cambridge, MD, raising over $215,000 to support United Way’s direct programs and nonprofit partners serving Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico & Worcester counties. Randy Scott, from Froggy 99.9’s Whiskey and Randy Show, returned as the evening’s emcee.  Guests enjoyed live music by Gold City, a delicious gourmet dinner along with specialty drinks, treats and late-night fare presented by the Hyatt.  Beyond the online auction of magical trips and local specialties, fundraising included a chance to win over $2,000 in gift cards, and a new signature item – The Golden Ticket – a limited availability drawing for one winner to receive their choice of four inclusive trips.  

“The Holiday Ball is far more than an extra special celebration to usher in the holiday season.  This is our largest fundraiser to support United Way’s year-round programs and nearly 40 nonprofit partners annually,” shared Pam Gregory, President & CEO of UWLES.  “Over 43% of Lower Shore households struggle each month to meet the very basic needs, often working multiple jobs.  This event helps us continue to work alongside our community partners to close gaps and open access to programs and opportunities for every neighbor to thrive.”

Special thanks go to the Holiday Ball committee, led by co-chairs Rush Stehley and Briana Mattern, who worked all year with UWLES staff to make the event unforgettable.  “Along with our incredible committee and sponsors, we also thank the hundreds of guests and online supporters, and extend our gratitude to Gift Card Bundle winner, Cari Ruppert, who donated her winnings back to UWLES to be shared with local teachers.  Everyone helped make the season of giving shine bright,” said Gregory.

This event was made possible by the 2023 Holiday Ball Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor – Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina; Emerald Sponsor – Avery Hall Insurance Group; Gold Sponsors – Peninsula Plastic Surgery, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Ms. Sonya Whited; Silver Sponsors – Bank of Delmarva, Delmarva Power Exelon, Downtown Bridal, Hebron Savings Bank, James A List, Attorney At Law, M & T Bank, Ocean Downs Casino, Perdue Farms, Pohanka of Salisbury, Pool Tech, Taustin Group, and TidalHealth; Bronze Sponsors – Atlantic General Hospital, Ms. Amy Hasson, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, PB Packaging, and Wor-Wic Community College; Titanium Sponsors – First Shore Federal, Palmer & Sandy Gillis, Holloway Funeral Home, JAStrand Consulting, Kuhn’s Jewelers, Mr. Mark Rudnick, and Wealthspire Advisors; Cobalt Sponsor – Rotary Club of Wicomico County; Event Highlight Sponsors – Mr. Mark Rudnick (Wine Wall), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Portraits), and Salisbury University (Band); and Auction Partners –  AmFund American Fundraising Foundation and HGA Fundraising. 

The 2024 Holiday Ball, celebrating UWLES’ 80th Anniversary, will be on December 7, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort.  For additional information or to inquire about early bird sponsorships, visit www.uwles.org or call 410-742-5143.

About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore: 

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), now in its 79th year of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 140 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved.  For more information on United Way or to help make a difference visit: www.uwles.org, www.ShoreGetConnected.org, Facebook@uwles, Instagram@unitedwayles, LinkedIN@uwles or Twitter@UNITEDWAY_LES.