United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently held the 11th annual CEO & Coordinator Breakfast to officially kick-off the 2015-2016 United Way campaign season, featuring the slogan “Great Things Happen When We Live United”. Hosted by Jim Perdue of Perdue Farms, the breakfast brought over 250 local business and community leaders together at The Bistro in the Commons at Salisbury University to hear uplifting speeches and updates about United Way’s community impact efforts on the Lower Shore. Dr. Janet Dudley-Eschbach, President of Salisbury University, opened the event with an official welcome. Salisbury University generously presented this event for the third consecutive year, with volunteers from Salisbury University’s Student United Way, and performances from the University’s acapella group, “Squawkapella.” 
Presenters, Mitzi Perdue, author of “Tough Man, Tender Chicken”, Rick Nelson, United Way Campaign Chair, and Randy Day and Chris Oliviero of Perdue Farms emphasized the importance of supporting United Way and encouraged other local businesses to increase their involvement and champion the cause. A moving speech from Jim Perdue and United Way’s Executive Director, Kathleen Mommé, concluded the morning program.
Mommé shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity to show the leaders in our community how their support of United Way truly improves lives on our Lower Eastern Shore. Together, we are increasing access to quality health care, providing financial stability to families in crisis, and helping children, the future of our community, succeed. ”
Following the breakfast, guests were offered a “Seeing is Believing” tour of United Way partner agency, the Henson Boy Scout Camp Reservation, to gain a first-hand look at the impact United Way programs are having in the community. The day concluded with a training session and lunch for campaign coordinators.
About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore:
Now in its 71st year, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues to be the largest non-governmental source of funding for 62 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 the 2014-2015 campaign year, United Way provided nearly $1.3 million to community programs and helped to change the lives of over 77,000 individuals. For more information, visit www.unitedway4us.org.
