United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES) recently celebrated its 80th Annual Meeting, hosted in partnership with the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Nearly 200 community members, partners, donors, and volunteers gathered to honor the incredible impact made possible through their collective support.
The event featured a warm welcome from UWLES President/CEO Pam Gregory, followed by remarks from Dr. Heidi M. Anderson, President of UMES. The UMES Muses performed musical selections, kickstarting the event in a harmonious melody.
The annual meeting highlights United Way’s community partnerships and dedicated volunteers who drive their mission forward. Gregory praised the nonprofit’s many collaborators, funded partners, corporate sponsors, workplace campaign supporters, and donors during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Special thanks were extended to annual sponsors: Impact and Get Connected Sponsor Perdue Farms, Campaign Sponsor Avery Hall Insurance, and Leadership Sponsor First Shore Federal.
Outstanding leadership was recognized with several prestigious awards:
- Volunteer of the Year: Gwen Hutley, Wicomico County Public Schools
- Affinity Leaders of the Year: Paula Morris, Women United & Jesus Cruz, Emerging Leaders
- Flame of Excellence Award: Worcester County Developmental Center
- Coordinators of the Year: Tina Nichols & Natasha Carrere, Hebron Savings Bank
- Spirit of the Shore Award: The Richard A. Henson Foundation
- Jim Barrett Community Leadership Award: Cathie Thomas, Civic Leader
2024-2025 Board Chair Sonya Whited shared appreciation for the current and past Board of Directors and the Advisory Council. Current Board Chair Mary Mengason also honored supporters whose contributions make United Way’s work possible in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.
Attendees enjoyed program highlights showcasing the impact of United Way’s focus on improving access to better health and wellness, educational support and pathways to financial security. Direct programs, affinity groups, and successful events like Over the Edge for ALICE®, Holiday Ball, and Disc Golf provided engagement with purpose. UWLES’ partnerships and collaborations, including growth of the SmartStart Imagination Library initiative, ALICE® awareness and nonprofit capacity building programs, continued elevating the importance of working together to maximize resources and impact.
“Our community’s strength lies in the generosity and compassion of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Gregory. “We thank every donor, volunteer, and partner who come alongside us to make a tangible difference. Together, we are creating a healthier, more stable Lower Shore where everyone can thrive,” shared Gregory.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 81 years 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 200 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, or LinkedIN@uwles.
