United Way Celebrates 78th Year, Supporters & Volunteers

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES) recently celebrated community leadership during the 78th Annual Meeting, held in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. TidalHealth’s Roger Follebout served as program emcee, and PAC14 provided video production.

Members of the Lower Shore community, donors, volunteers, and partners gathered to celebrate the impact of the 2022-2023 campaign year.  While enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by Thompson Hospitality, current Immediate Past Chair, Joy Strand from JA Strand Consulting, shared welcome remarks and presented the Board of Directors, recognizing outgoing and continuing directors.

President/CEO Pam Gregory highlighted the importance of partnerships, with special appreciation for the dozens of funded nonprofit partners, along with many collaborative partners who work with UWLES to bring needed resources and services to the region.  Additionally, United Way’s annual sponsors were highlighted for their continued support: Impact Champion Perdue Farms, Campaign Sponsor Avery Hall Insurance, Anchor Sponsor PNC Bank, Leadership Sponsor First Shore Federal, video sponsor TidalHealth, and Volunteer Center sponsor Bank of America.  Additional recognition was also shared for the agency’s Top 50 organizational contributors, who support through workplace campaigns, grants, sponsorships and event participation.  “Leveraging resources, talents and skills from across our community is what brings opportunities for all neighbors to thrive. Together, these organizations, our volunteers, and the thousands of local donors who give from their heart, make it possible to keep impacting more than 1 in 3 local residents through United Way’s direct and partner programs,” shared Gregory.

UWLES celebrated the leadership of companies and individuals who excelled during the 2022-23 year with the following annual awards:

• Flame of Excellence Award – Worcester County Public Schools
• Spirit of the Shore – Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
• Volunteer of the Year – Maggie Fulkrod
• Coordinator of the Year – Karen Bromley, Christy Rose, Megan Roy, and Michelle Smith of Avery Hall Insurance
• Affinity Leader of the Year – Ricky Pollitt
• Legacy Award – Jennifer Cannon and Amy Wingate of Perdue Farms
• Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award – Dr. Bryan Newton

“I am immensely honored and humbled to be named United Way’s Affinity Leader of the Year. Our group of Emerging Leaders continues to showcase their dedication and passion for making our community better for all, and I couldn’t be more proud of the work we accomplished and the progress this group makes as we move forward,” stated Ricky Pollitt, Emerging Leaders’ Immediate Past President.

United Way’s annual Impact Report highlights outcomes across the region which brough better health, economic stability, and educational success for local neighbors.  The report is available online at www.uwles.org or contact UWLES for a published copy at info@uwles.org or 410-742-5143.

For additional photos or information, follow UWLES on social media: FB or LinkedIn @uwles, or Instagram @unitedwayles, or visit www.uwles.org.